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Dee ’ s News
Vo l ume 4 I ssue 5
METHOD THREE: REPLACING A LOST CARD
Step 1: Follow all steps in Method One
Replacing a Social Security card requires the same steps as applying for a new one.
Step 2: In Case a Social Security Card is Stolen
Be aware of fraud. Follow these directions in the event of a stolen card:
Place a fraud alert on your Social Security card by alerting one of the three credit bureaus: Trans Union,
Equifax, or Experian.
Review any information that seems out of place. This includes inquiries from companies you have not
contacted; accounts you know you have not opened; and debts that you know you did not incur.
Close any accounts that you know you did not open.
File a police report in the city where you believed the theft to have taken place.
METHOD FOUR: GETTING A CARD FOR A BABY
Step 1: Give Information
To apply for a child's Social Security card, you'll need the baby's birth certificate.
Step 2: Complete an Application
You will want to supply the parents' Social Security numbers, if you have them, although they are not necessary to
apply for the baby's card.
Step 3: Show Documents Proving Your Own Identity
These can be any of the following:
Employee ID card
School ID card
U.S. military ID card
Life insurance policy
Step 4: Adopted Child
You must wait until the adoption is complete. Then apply for a new Social Security card using the child's new
name. (See Method Two.) Contact the IRS directly for a W-7A form if you wish to use your child's Social Security
card to get a tax break.
More Tips:
Applications can also be picked up at the office instead of printed out.
Taking the application into the office has the benefit that you will receive a statement saying that your card
is on the way. Many employers will accept this until the original arrives.
To save time, get all of your information and documents together before starting the application.
If you are concerned about your originals take the application to the nearest office to avoid mailing origi-
nals.
Don't send in photo copies or notarized copies. You must send or take in the certified originals.
If you are over the age of 12 and have never been issued a Social Security number, you must go into the
office. You will also have to attend an interview.
Warnings:
Do not carry your card with you. Keep it at home with other important documents.
Do not give your Social Security information to people or organizations without knowing the reason they
are asking for it.
Unscrupulous individuals may try to use your Social Security information to open credit card accounts or
other forms of identity theft.
Do not apply for a Social Security card on any websites that do not end in ".gov".
