Do Social Security Cards Expire?
A Social Security card is a document that proves your identity and eligibility for various benefits. It’s important to understand that these cards are not subject to a traditional expiration date, but they can become outdated or invalid under certain circumstances.
In order to ensure that your card remains valid, you need to understand these circumstances. Here are some specific scenarios that may require a new Social Security card.
How Does a Social Security Card Work?
A Social Security card is a unique nine-digit number, known as a Social Security number (SSN), issued by the US government as an identification card.
As well as identifying individuals, tracking FICA-taxed income, opening accounts, and maintaining government data, Social Security numbers (SSN) are used to track government income. Since this card contains personal information, it’s important to keep it safe in order to prevent identity theft.
Do Social Security Cards Expire?
There is no expiration date on your Social Security card or its associated number. They will remain valid for the rest of your life.
Social Security cards may need to be replaced from time to time
If your card is lost, stolen, or if you change your name, you may need a new one. You don’t need to renew your card periodically, but you may need a replacement if it is lost or stolen.
Also check: How Do I know If My Social Security Number Has Been Stolen?
- Card lost or stolen
In the event that your Social Security card is lost or stolen, you may need to replace it, since you might be unable to prove your identity without it.
- Change of name
You will need to replace your Social Security card if you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, or any other reason. Your Social Security number will remain the same.
- Non-citizen to citizen transition
The Social Security card needs to be replaced if you transition from a non-citizen to a citizen.
- Status change as a result of immigration
The new card will reflect your updated work status if your immigration status changes allowing you to work in the US.
What Is the Need for a Social Security Card?
To calculate Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration began tracking individual workers’ earnings in 1936 with the introduction of Social Security numbers.
Social Security cards are still linked to your financial information and your entitlements, but they are now serving a variety of other purposes as well. In most cases, you will have to provide your social security number or show your social security card when you:
- Apply for a credit card or open a bank account
- Get health insurance
- Loans for homes and cars
As SSNs are used for a wide range of applications, it’s more important than ever to keep your SSN with you at all times and know where it is.
What is the purpose of the Social Security card in the SSDI/SSI application process
You need your Social Security number to access government services and benefits, including SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income). It’s crucial to have your Social Security number in hand during the application process to:
- Identify yourself
A Social Security number is not required to apply for SSDI/SSI benefits. However, your SSN is required to verify your identity and your eligibility for benefits during the SSDI/SSI application process.
- Verifying US citizenship or legal residency
You must be a US citizen, US national, or lawfully present in the United States to receive SSDI benefits. To receive SSI benefits, you must be a US citizen or must qualify for one of the following classifications from the Department of Homeland Security:
- Permanently admitted to the country
- Entry granted on a conditional basis
- Licensed to enter the country
- As a refugee, admitted
- Asylum was granted
- Withheld removal of an alien
- Entrants from Cuba or Haiti
- Immigrant to the United States
- Immigrant status for Afghans or Iraqis
- Parolees who are Afghan humanitarians or Afghan non-special immigrants
- Humanitarian parole was granted to a Ukrainian
Unless you are a US citizen, you must also have a US passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship to prove your legal status. Social Security cards and numbers aren’t sufficient proof of lawful status. It is sufficient to have a Green Card, an I-94 form, an I-799 work permit, or an asylum order from an immigration judge if you are not a US citizen.
- Verification of work history The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses your Social Security Number (SSN) to determine your eligibility.
- If the SSA needs to cross-verify your information with another state or federal agency, such as the Department of Labor or the IRS, it may use your SSN.
- You will be able to track the status of your application, update your records, and receive your benefits once your application has been approved by using the SSN on your card. You will be able to expedite the process of making changes to your SSA file and getting updates on your application if you have your Social Security number ready.
Replacement Social Security cards: what you need to know
It is necessary to gather specific personal information and documents to apply for a Social Security card.
- Information about the individual
- You can find your full name on your birth certificate or other legal documents
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Birthplace (city, state, or foreign country) Names of the parents and Social Security numbers
- Information about how to contact us
- Please provide your phone number
- Address for mail
- Identification documents and other information
- Identification card issued by the state, passport, driver’s license, or passport that is not expired)
- A copy of your birth certificate in its original form
- Documentation of citizenship (US birth certificate, US passport, Naturalization Certificate, or Citizenship Certificate)
- (If you are not a US citizen), you will need to provide proof of your immigration status, which includes:
- Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
- Card of Authorization for Work
- Documents related to visas
It is not acceptable to submit copies or notarized copies of documents to the Social Security Administration. All submitted documents will be returned to you following processing.
It is possible to apply for a Social Security card either online (if eligible), by mail, or in person at your local SSA office after gathering all the necessary information and documents.
Also check: How To Get Replacement Social Security Card?
Is it possible to replace your social security card?
It is important to keep in mind that although Social Security cards do not expire, there are certain circumstances where a person may need to get a new card. You may need to get a new Social Security card if you meet the following conditions:
- There is a loss or theft of your card
- Changes in your name
- You are unable to read your card due to damage or wear
- You need to update the information on your card
Replacement Social Security Cards: How Do You Get Them?
To obtain a replacement Social Security card, you must complete and submit an official application with the Social Security Administration.4 Is it possible to order a replacement Social Security card online?
You can access and submit a replacement card application on the SSA’s website or bring the completed application to your local social security office in person. For applications that are submitted in person, you’ll need to provide a few documents to verify your identity, your age, and your citizenship status. Acceptable forms of the required documentation are:
- Certificate of birth in the United States
- Passport issued by the United States
- Identification card or driver’s license from the United States
In certain cases, alternative identification documents may be accepted. These may include hospital birth records, religious records that prove your date of birth, or other forms of photo identification like employee or student IDs or health insurance cards.
