You can replace your Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, you may not need to get a replacement card. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. Social Security does not take reports of lost or stolen Social Security cards or numbers. If you have lost your card, you may apply for a replacement but Social Security takes no action just because it has been lost or stolen.
However, a person using your card or number can get other personal information about you and apply for credit in your name. So if you suspect someone is using your number, you should take these steps to protect yourself and your financial health:
- Educate yourself about identity theft;
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission(1-877-ID-THEFT or 1-877-438-4338);
- File an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov;
- Check your Social Security records (call toll-free 1-800-772-1213; TTY 1-800-325-0778) to ensure your income is calculated correctly; and
- Monitor your credit reports.
For more information, see:
Keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you.
You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits. For example, changes in noncitizen 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.
Also see our Answer,
How do I replace a lost Social Security card?
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