Replacement Card For A Noncitizen Child
You can replace your child’s Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen. You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during a lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits. For example, changes in immigration status that require card updates may not count toward these limits. Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship.
In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security can apply for a Social Security number. If your child does not have permission to work but needs a Social Security number for other purposes, see “If your child does not have permission to work” for further information.
Important
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current . We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
How To Use Self Lock
To access Self Lock, you must be logged in to your myE-Verify account.
To lock your SSN, you must enter your SSN and date of birth. myE-Verify does not store your SSN when you create your account, so you must provide your SSN to “lock” it.
In addition, you must select and answer three challenge questions. Select questions you can easily answer, because you will need to answer them again to verify your identity if you receive an E-Verify Tentative Nonconfirmation due to Self Lock.
If you are about to start a new job with an E-Verify employer, you should log into your account and unlock your SSN.
Subscribe to the myE-Verify website to receive email updates. Follow on Twitter . Got questions on myE-Verify? Contact us
Types Of Social Security Cards
Four different classifications of Social Security cards are issued. Such cards are issued by geographic location to:
There are two restricted types of Social Security cards:
- One reads “not valid for employment.” Such cards cannot be used as proof of work authorization, and are not acceptable as a List C document on the I-9 form.
- The other reads “valid for work only with DHS authorization”, or the older, “valid for work only with INS authorization.” These cards are issued to people who have temporary work authorization in the U.S from the Department of Homeland Security — the nation’s border agency. They can satisfy the I-9 requirement, if they are accompanied by a work authorization card.
The cards commonly display the cardholder’s name and number.
The new SSN card design utilizes both covert and overt security features created by the SSA and GPO design teams.
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Use Required For Federal Tax Purposes
Internal Revenue Code section 6109 provides: “The social security account number issued to an individual for purposes of section 205 of the Social Security Act shall, except as shall otherwise be specified under regulations of the Secretary , be used as the identifying number for such individual for purposes of this title .”
The Internal Revenue Code also provides, when required by regulations prescribed by the secretary of the treasury or their delegate:
- Inclusion in returns: Any person required under the authority of this title to make a return, statement, or other document shall include in such return, statement, or other document such identifying number as may be prescribed for securing proper identification of such person.
- Furnishing number to other persons: Any person with respect to whom a return, statement, or other document is required under the authority of this title to be made by another person or whose identifying number is required to be shown on a return of another person shall furnish to such other person such identifying number as may be prescribed for securing their proper identification.
According to U.S. Treasury regulations, any person who, after October 31, 1962, works as an employee for wages subject to Social Security taxes, Medicare taxes, or U.S. federal income tax withholdings is required to apply for “an account number” using Form SS-5.
Original Card For A Foreign Born Us Citizen Adopted Child
Information
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current . We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
Adoption
In some cases, we can assign your adopted child a number before the adoption is complete, but you may want to wait. Then, you can apply for the number using your child’s new name. If you want to claim your child for tax purposes while the adoption is still pending, contact the Internal Revenue Service for Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions. For more information, see Social Security Numbers For Children .
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Birth Certificate Copies: Born Abroad And Adopted By Us Parents
If you were born in a foreign country and adopted by a U.S. citizen, you would not have received a U.S. birth certificate. The country in which you were born would have issued one. To get a copy, contact the nearest foreign embassy or consulate for that country. If you need an authenticated copy and it’s not in English, ask the embassy for help to get it translated.
If you were adopted from another country by a U.S. citizen, you should have copies of your naturalization/citizenship papers. If you don’t, submit an application for the replacement of a naturalization/citizenship document. For help, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
What Is A Social Security Card
Your Social Security card is an important piece of identification. You’ll need one to get a job, collect Social Security, or receive other government benefits.
When you apply for a Social Security number , the Social Security Administration will assign you a nine-digit number. This is the same number that is printed on the Social Security card that SSA will issue you. If you change your name, you will need to get a corrected card.
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Corrected Card For A Us Born Child
If you legally change your child’s name because of adoption, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that you can get a corrected card. If your child is working, also tell your child’s employer. If you do not tell us when your child’s name changes, it may:
- Delay your tax refund or your child’s refund and
- Prevent your child’s wages from being posted correctly to your child’s Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your child’s future Social Security benefits.
Important
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current . We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
When And Why You Need A Social Security Number
Anytime you get hired for a new job, your employer will ask for your Social Security number. Your employers accounting department will use this number to report your income to the Internal Revenue Service and to report your Social Security wages to the Social Security Administration.
Your employer will also use it for state income tax reporting unless your state doesnt have an income tax. Employers who participate in E-Verify, a program to make sure employees can legally work in the United States, also must obtain your Social Security number before you can begin work.
Below are some other common scenarios where youll need to provide your Social Security number.
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Corrected Card For A Foreign Born Us Citizen Adult
If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that you can get a corrected card. If you are working, you also need to tell your employer. If you do not tell us when your name changes, it may:
- Prevent your wages from being posted correctly to your Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your future Social Security benefits.
- Cause delays when you file your taxes.
Important
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current . We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity.
Original Card For A Noncitizen Child
In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security can apply for a Social Security number . If your child does not have permission to work but needs an SSN for other purposes, see “If your child does not have permission to work” for further information.
Adoption
In some cases, we can assign your adopted child a number before the adoption is complete, but you may want to wait. Then, you can apply for the number using your child’s new name. If you want to claim your child for tax purposes while the adoption is still pending, contact the Internal Revenue Service for Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions. For more information, see Social Security Numbers For Children .
Enumeration Beyond Entry
You may be eligible to apply using our automated process called Enumeration Beyond Entry if you are applying to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for work authorization or lawful permanent resident status.
If you are unable to use Form I-765 or Form I-485, you will need to contact your local Social Security field office. You should receive your SSN card within two weeks after we have everything we need to process your application, including verification of your immigration document with the USCIS. If we are unable to immediately verify your immigration document with the USCIS, it may take two additional weeks to receive your card.
Important
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How Can I Get A Free Social Security Card
One thing employers require when looking for a job is a Social Security number. You need this when collecting social security benefits and other government services. You must keep your social security card template in a secure place along with other important documents.
To get your own SSS card template, you need to present original documents or copies certified by the agencies that issued them. Notarized copies or photocopies arent accepted. These are important as you should never present a fake social security card template unless you want to get into legal trouble.
All of the documents you submit must still have validity. You shouldnt present expired interviews. A receipt that shows that you applied for the document also wont get accepted. The documents you need are:
- Citizenship DocumentsOnly specific documents get accepted as proof of US citizenship. These include a US passport or a US birth certificate.
- Age Presenting a birth certificate is a requirement. If you have it, you should submit it. If not, in place of a birth certificate, you can submit the following:US passport
- Health insurance card except for a Medicare card
How Your Credit Score Is Affected
While it looks and swipes like a credit card, the Direct Express card is not a credit card. No credit check is necessary to receive the card or to have your benefits deposited to the card each month.
When you make purchases, youre not borrowing money, and theres no balance to repay each month. Your card usage isn’t reported to any of the major credit bureaus, which means that it’s not included in your credit report and won’t impact your credit in any way. You can, however, use the card for paying other monthly bills that may affect your credit.
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B Exception For Laws And Regulations In Effect Before January 1 1975
Federal, state, and local agencies may deny an individual a right, benefit, or privilege provided by law because of such individuals refusal to disclose the individuals social security number if required under statute or regulation adopted prior to January 1, 1975, and used to verify the identity of an individual.
A second exception to the general provisions of section 7 is set out in subsection 7, which grandfathers statutes or regulations in effect before January 1, 1975, and provides that the prohibition on denying a benefit because of an individuals failure to provide a social security number does not apply to those statutes and regulations. SeeSchwier v. Cox, 439 F.3d 1285, 1285-86 grandfather exception did not apply to Georgia voter registration procedures), affg 412 F. Supp. 2d 1266 , remanded by 340 F.3d at 1288-89 McKay v. Thompson, 226 F.3d 752, 755 s exception for systems of records in existence prior to January 1, 1975, where disclosure was required under statute or regulation).
Corrected Card For A Noncitizen Child
If you legally change your child’s name because of adoption, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security. If your child is working, also tell your child’s employer. If you do not tell us when your child’s name changes, it may:
- Delay your tax refund or your child’s refund and
- Prevent your child’s wages from being posted correctly to your child’s Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your child’s future Social Security benefits.
Important
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current . We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
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Why Use Self Lock
Employment-related identity fraud could mean that someone else is working under your identity and using your SSN. If this happens, someone elses wages are being reported in your name to the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration and other authorities. By using Self Lock, you can block someone from committing this fraud if they start working for an E-Verify employer. Even if you are not currently working, you may want to protect your SSN and identity with Self Lock.
Access Adoption Records Through Consent
In some states, you may be able to access identifying information through a mutual consent registry. Using these registries, all involved in an adoption can declare what information may be disclosed. Some states may require the consent of both the birth parents and adoptive parents for the release of records. However, the release of information varies by state.
If your state does not maintain a mutual consent registry, there are other ways to obtain records through consent. Public or private agencies can locate birth parents in some states. When an agency contacts birth parents, they can find out identifying information through:
- Confidential Intermediary System The court gives permission to a court-certified confidential intermediary. This permission grants them access to sealed adoption records. They can also contact the birth parents to obtain consent for the release of identifying information.
- Affidavit System – Birth parents can officially file their consent or refusal to be identified or contacted.
Use the Child Welfare Information Gateway to find out about how your state allows access to your adoption records.
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S For Obtaining A Social Security Number
If you want to receive an SSN while studying in the United States, follow these steps:
1. Talk with your DSO about working and training in the United States.
Your DSO will share important information regarding the regulations and requirements for F and M students, and confirm whether you are eligible to apply for an SSN.
2. Verify you are in Active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System .
Your SEVIS record must be in Active status for at least two days before applying for an SSN. If you have a record in any other status, you will not be successful in applying for an SSN.
3. Wait 10 days after arriving in the United States before applying for an SSN to allow enough time for your arrival information to update in all government systems.
SSA uses the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program to verify your nonimmigrant student status and determine if you are eligible for an SSN. You can use the SAVE Case Check to follow the progress of your SAVE verification check online visit our Checking Your SAVE Case Status for more information.
4. Visit your local SSA office.
You can file your application for an SSN card in person at any SSA office. Be prepared to provide your original documents to prove your age, identity and work-authorized immigration status. All evidence of immigration status and work authorization must be unexpired.
For more information on the types of documents you need to apply for an SSN, refer to the SSA website.
Replacing Your Social Security Card Online
To request a replacement card online, you must have a My Social Security account and meet these requirements:
- You are a U.S. citizen age 18 or older.
- You are not changing the name on the card.
- You have a U.S. mailing address .
- You live in a state that shares its computer data with Social Security. As of April 2022, 46 states and the District of Columbia do so. The list is updated regularly, so check the Social Security website to see if your state’s status has changed.
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