
The document needs to show your name and photo, such as a driver’s license, state ID card, or U.S. Make sure to verify documents with the Social Security Administration before moving to step 3 below.įinally, you will need to verify your identity and relationship with your child. You can use a religious record to prove both your child’s age and identity, or you can use a birth certificate to prove both age and citizenship. It’s easiest to use a document that proves more than one requirement. Lastly, to prove citizenship, you may use your child’s U.S passport or birth certificate. Some of the documents the SSA office accepts are: You will also need to prove your child’s age. Certified copy of a medical record (clinic, doctor, or hospital).The only document you can use to prove all three at the same time is a U.S. Keep in mind the Social Security office only accepts unexpired original documents or certified copies - no notarized copies or photocopies.įirst, you will need to prove your child’s identity, citizenship, and age. You’ll need to take two types of documentation to your local Social Security office in order to get a new card for your child. We've put together the information you need to know in the rest steps below.
#Replace lost ssn card free
This free government service will create a personalized recovery plan for your family.įinally, you will need to replace your child's Social Security card. Confident the card was stolen? File an identity theft report.Freezing your child's credit will prevent thieves from opening credit lines under your child’s name. Complete a freeze request form for each major credit bureau (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). Thirty-two states allow you to freeze your child's credit report on their behalf. You may be hypervigilant about watching your credit report, but if you've lost your child’s Social Security card, your child's credit is compromised as well. Police documentation will help you build a case if you need to file reports with banks or creditors later. Make sure to keep a copy of the report for your records. File a police report with your local law enforcement agency.However, in case that didn’t happen, here's what you need to do: There's a chance that a Good Samaritan found your child's card and mailed it back to the Social Security office. Step 1: Take Immediate Actionįirst, take a deep breath. » MORE: Your family has 500 hours of work to do after you die. Before you replace your child's card, here are the immediate steps you need to take now to protect your child's identity. Remember, a Social Security card is a government document that should remain in your hands. Memorize your child’s number to be safe so that even if the card is lost, you’ll be able to complete most documents. You can replace your own and your child’s card three times a year or ten times per lifetime. However, there is a lifetime and yearly limit to replacing cards. You will also need the number if you plan to open a bank account for your child, get him or her medical coverage, or add your child to your federal and state tax returns.

It’s not often anyone or any entity asks for proof of the physical card. Technically, you don’t need your child’s Social Security card, but you do need the number for most things. We have a post-loss checklist that will help you ensure that your loved one's family, estate, and other affairs are taken care of. Post-loss tip: If dealing with social security details is a part of handling the unfinished business for an adult child who has passed, there are many other emotional and technical aspects of this process that can be overwhelming without a way to organize.
#Replace lost ssn card how to
We’ll show you how to replace your child's Social Security card and learn some action steps you can take to prevent fraud. It can disqualify your child from financial and college scholarships or even deny him or her employment later on in life. Social Security theft impacts your child's future in other ways, too. Thieves can create new identities using a mix of your child's identification and fake information to open new lines of credit on homes, car loans, and even personal loans. Most at risk are children under age seven. In 2017, more than one million children were victims of identity theft.

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