Can You Change Your Social Security Number?
It is intended that your Social Security number (SSN), a unique identifier issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA), remains with you for your entire lifetime. The SSA does, however, make exceptions in certain circumstances. These include times of danger and identity theft. Here’s why some people change their Social Security numbers and how to do it.
Can you change your social security number?
Yes, if the following conditions are met:
- Families with sequential numbers are having problems.
- The same number is assigned to or used by more than one person.
- By using the original number, a victim of identity theft continues to be disadvantaged despite efforts to correct the issues.
- As a result of harassment, abuse, or endangering life, there is a situation of harassment and abuse.
- They require written documentation from a religious group with whom the number holder has an established relationship supporting their objection.
What is the purpose of changing your Social Security number?
Generally, the Social Security Administration discourages people from changing their social security numbers. However, there are exceptions. In the event of domestic violence or harassment, for example, the SSA may grant you a new Social Security number if the agency is able to prove that using your existing number will harm you. A person’s Social Security number is also reissued if they have been the victim of identity theft in certain circumstances.
You should keep in mind, however, that even if you get a new SSN, you don’t have to start over. Records of you are generally kept by the Social Security Administration under your original Social Security Number, as well as by other government agencies like your state’s motor vehicle department or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Likewise, some businesses, such as credit card companies, maintain records about you as well.
Social Security Number Change Reasons
When someone requests a change to their Social Security number, the SSA has fairly strict requirements. For example, it won’t provide one if the person is in bankruptcy or is evading the law. Furthermore, unless you have solid evidence that your number is being used by someone else, you cannot get a new number if you simply lost your card. (You may, however, obtain a replacement Social Security card with your old number.)
The SSA will issue a new number for the following reasons.
- Abuse and harassment
For protection from a violent relationship or other life-threatening situation, it may be necessary to shed one’s previous identity. Victims of domestic violence and stalking, or those who are threatened with physical harm, may qualify for new numbers.43
- Theft of identity
Social Security numbers play a major role in identity theft, according to the SSA, which is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States. The thieves can also gain access to your Social Security number and other personal information by combing the internet for information, stealing your wallet, and posing as your employer, bank employee, or Social Security representative while going through your trash or stealing your wallet. The dark web or black market is often used by identity thieves to sell your information.
You may not be able to get your identity back once it is stolen. If someone gets your Social Security number, they can use it to get your name, birthday, and credit information.
Criminals can use this knowledge to open new credit cards under your name, use them until the credit limits are reached, and never pay back the debts. A false income tax return can also be filed in your name to obtain a fraudulent refund. You may be eligible for a new number if you can prove your identity has been stolen and it continues to be a problem.
If you think your identity has been stolen, check your credit reports regularly and look for any unfamiliar accounts. Many people don’t realize they’ve been scammed until they receive calls from creditors or are turned down for a loan.
- Numbers in sequence:
A new SSN may be available if sequential SSNs assigned to family members are confusing or causing complications.
- Using the same number by more than one person:
You can request a change of SSN if multiple people were mistakenly assigned the same number.
- Objections based on religion or culture:
Your SSN may be changed if you have religious or cultural objections to the particular number you received. You will need to provide documentation from your religious group confirming your objection.
Also check: When a husband dies does the wife get his social security disability?
Social Security Number Change Instructions
Use the Social Security Office Locator to find the address and phone number of your local Social Security office if you need to change your SSN.
A statement explaining the need for a new number must be accompanied by credible, third-party documentation regarding identity theft, abuse, or harassment, such as medical documents, legal documents, or police reports.
In order to apply for a Social Security number and card, you (or your parents) will need to complete Form SS-5. The form asks you a series of questions, such as whether you or someone acting on your behalf have ever applied for a Social Security number and card and, if so, under what name.
Furthermore, you will need to provide evidence of your U.S. citizenship or legal residency, age, identity, and current Social Security Number.
Documentation should be gathered
It is necessary for you to provide specific documentation to prove your citizenship or immigration status and your purpose for requesting a new Social Security Number. “We can’t accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. All documents must either be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency,” says Henriquez.
| Documents for US citizens | Documents for Non-US citizens |
|---|---|
| US birth certificate | Permanent resident card (I-551) |
| US passport | Arrival/departure record with an unexpired foreign passport (I-94) |
| Certificate of naturalization | Employment authorization document (I-766) |
| Certificate of US citizenship | |
| Employee identification card | |
| School identification card | |
| Health insurance card (not a Medicare card) | |
| U.S. military identification card |
An application for a Social Security card must be completed
Form SS-5 or Application for a Social Security Card must be filled out in order to apply for a new Social Security number. You can obtain the form from the SSA website or at your local SSA office. Your name, date of birth, citizenship status, and details about your parents and spouse are required.
Social Security Administration offices can be located using the Social Security Office Locator, which can help you schedule an appointment.
Social Security number changes and their effects
Records of credit and finances
A new SSN does not wipe clean your financial history. A new SSN does not erase any debt you may have, fix your credit history, or repair a bad credit score.
The process of changing your social security number may also present you with several challenges.
Because your information may not transfer completely to your new SSN when you change your SSN, you may end up with inaccuracies on your credit report. As a result, your credit report may reflect an incomplete credit history, resulting in a lower credit score. As a result, lenders may deny credit applications.
If there are any inaccuracies on your credit report, you can dispute it with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
Potential employers, government benefits, and government records
It is a big decision to apply for a new Social Security Number. You may be unable to interact with federal and state agencies, employers, and others if you do. If you change your SSN, you may be required to update your SSN with federal institutions in order to access certain government benefits, taxes, or financial records. This process can be time-consuming and complicated.
When you don’t want to change your Social Security number or don’t qualify, you can block it, which will restrict all access to it, including your own. The SSA can be contacted at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 if you want to use a teletypewriter.
How Does a Social Security Number Work?
You can track your wages over your lifetime with the Social Security Administration (SSA) using a Social Security number (SSN). SSA uses your Social Security number to calculate your benefits. You give your Social Security number to every employer you work for.
Social Security benefits are available to you at age 62. You will receive higher benefits if you wait until your full retirement age (67, if you were born in 1960 or later). If you delay taking benefits up until 70, your benefits will increase by 8%. After 70, you will not be rewarded for delaying benefits.
What Are the Benefits of Changing Your Social Security Number (SSN)?
It is most common for people to change their Social Security number (SSN) as a result of identity theft and domestic violence. In addition, there are several other reasons why the Social Security Administration (SSA) issues new numbers. As an example, if two identical numbers have been issued in error or similar numbers cause confusion within a family unit, it may approve a change. It is also possible to change your SSN if you have religious objections to certain numbers or sequences in it.
Do Dental Offices Need Social Security Numbers?
Your Social Security number (SSN) may be asked by a doctor or dentist, but they don’t actually need it. While an SSN may make it easier to process insurance claims, the provider actually has enough identifying information about you to accomplish this task. The risk of identity theft is too great for you to provide your Social Security number in this case, so you shouldn’t do so.
The Bottom Line
There are limited circumstances under which you can change your Social Security number, such as if you have been the victim of identity theft or if you are in danger of your safety and you have to provide appropriate documentation in support of your application for a new number.
