By: Dr. Kylle’ McKinney, Alabama Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
Social Security embraces diversity. We provide benefits for all Americans, regardless of race, religion, or sexual preference. You can see that by reading our blog, Social Security Matters, covers issues concerning many different religious and ethnic communities. Our articles and guest posts are tagged by topic at http://blog.socialsecurity.gov/.
We also strive to provide everyone with superior service, something that people of all backgrounds can appreciate. Social Security rolled out a new service that allows some of our customers to request a replacement Social Security card online using a secure my Social Security account from the comfort of home. You can create or log into your personal my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
When you open a my Social Security account, we protect your information by using strict identity verification and security features. The application process has built-in features to detect fraud and confirm your identity.
In certain cases, security experts at Social Security will contact you to ensure it is a legitimate application. We only issue a replacement card if there’s no suspicion of fraud and only mail it to a verified address.
To take advantage of this new service option, you must:
· Have or create a my Social Security account;
· Have a valid driver’s license in a participating state or the District of Columbia. (or a state-issued identification card in some states);
· Be age 18 or older and a United States citizen with a domestic U.S. mailing address (this includes APO, FPO, and DPO addresses); and
· Not be requesting a name change or any other changes to your card.
We plan to add more states, so we encourage you to check with us later in the year!
Before you request a replacement card online, you may want to consider whether you need to get a replacement card at all. Most times, knowing your number is what’s important. You’ll rarely need the card itself, perhaps only when you get a new job and have to show it to your employer.
If you decide that you do need a replacement card, log into your personal my Social Security account and select “Request a Replacement Card.” Next, answer the screening questions to confirm eligibility, complete personal identification data, and you’re done!
Making Social Security accessible for everyone is part of the inclusion we strive for. For more information about our online services that help millions of people each year, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov.
