Anyone who has a job – whether a mini-job, internship, or a permanent position – needs a social security card in which their own individual social security number is noted. At the latest when the employer asks for the social security number, many notices that a social security card is still available. Or it has even been lost.
The social security card is an important document that everyone needs who is in employment that is subject to social security contributions. Applying for a social security card and being assigned a social security number is very easy because it works all by itself.
You may want to know how to get a new Social Security card or apply for your Social Security Number (SSN). Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for your document using different methods. Regardless of how you apply, you need to submit your application through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Additionally, keep in mind that once you know how to apply for a new Social Security card or number, the process is identical. This is because your number is printed on your card, so you can refer to these processes interchangeably.
Depending on your circumstances, you may want to know how to apply for a Social Security Number for foreigners or for your dependents. Keep in mind that these processes may be different. This is especially true if you are applying for a Social Security Number for a child who was born in the United States. Regardless, it is important that you understand how these procedures work.
How long does it take to get a new Social Security card?
Once you apply for a Social Security Number, you may wonder how long it takes until you receive your card. Keep in mind that wait times can vary, depending on the time it takes for you to submit the necessary forms. However, you can expect to receive your SS card within 10 to 14 business days from when your request is processed.
Where do I apply for a Social Security Number?
When you are ready to apply for a Social Security card, you can do so at an SSA office. This is especially true if you reside in the United States. If this applies to you, report to a Social Security office and submit your application with a program official. Alternatively, if you are an expecting parent, keep in mind that you can apply for your unborn child’s SSN at the hospital when you give birth.
However, if you do not take advantage of this option, you can also apply for your child at an SS office. If your child is a U.S. citizen born abroad, you can apply for his or her SS card at a U.S. embassy.
If you are wondering, “How do I apply for a Social Security Number if my child and I are not U.S. citizens?” remember that this process is different. If this applies to you, make sure you have an immigration status that permits you to apply for an SSN. You can only receive a Social Security card if you possess specific types of visas or a residency card.
What to Bring When You Apply for a Social Security Number
Once you learn how to go about getting a new Social Security card at an office, be sure to gather the documents you need to submit with your application. Make sure that your program officials have proof of your:
- Citizenship. U.S. passport or birth certificate.
- Age. U.S. passport or hospital record.
- Identity. State-issued driver’s license or ID card.
Can you apply for a Social Security card online?
You may be wondering how to apply for a Social Security card online. However, this method is not available to first-time applicants. If you have never received an SS card before, you cannot apply for an SSN online. Instead, you need to file your request through your local Social Security office. Depending on where you live, however, you may be able to request a new SS card online. Keep in mind, this option is available on a state-by-state basis.
How much does it cost to get a new Social Security card?
There is no Social Security card fee associated with filing your request. You can apply for an SSN at no cost. Furthermore, this is true regardless of how you choose to submit your application to the SSA.
Checklist for handling your social security card
- Keep your social security ID in a safe place
- Write down your social security number separately on a piece of paper
- Present your social security card to your employer when starting a new job (but do not give it away permanently)
- If you lose your social security card, contact your health insurance company immediately
- If the old social security card appears again, send the new card back to your insurance company.
Why You Need a Social Security Card
Social Security cards are important documents, especially for people who have to deal with employment and wages. The card shows your Social Security Number, a nine-digit number that represents your first and continuous connection to Social Security, so you need to have one. This number can be used to keep track of your record once you start receiving benefits, and to record your self-employment earnings as well.
The Social Security card is needed because you may want to get particular services from the government. The card can also help you collect Social Security benefits, as well as help you get a job, register for college classes, apply for driver’s license and many others. For this reason, your card should be kept in a safe place, to avoid it from being damaged, stolen or lost.
The Bottom Line
Fortunately, it doesn’t take long to get your new card within two weeks of your application and you can use it for whatever reason. Of course, it’s just like this as long as you have the right papers, and before you apply for a new passport, you don’t need to look for them too much.
See Also
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