We recommend that you do not carry a social security card every day. The best way to “keep your card” is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when needed. In fact, in most cases it is enough to just know the social security number. In 49 states and the District of Columbia, a Social Security card is not required to request a valid ID. Only Pennsylvania requires it.
Please be careful with sharing your number when asked. You should always ask why you need your number, how it will be used and what will happen if you refuse. Also, you do not need to have documents showing your number.
If you need a replacement social security card, we’ll make it easy. You can use my personal Social Security account to request a replacement on our website. If you live in one of the 46 participating states or the District of Columbia and request a card change without change, such as a name change, you can take advantage of our free online service at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/replacement-card.html.
Visit our page with your social security number and card at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber to learn more about your social security card.
Please read our information report on how you can help us protect your Social Security number and keep your information safe, at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10220.pdf
Our “Keep your card” infographic at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/assets/EN-05-10553.pdfanother great resource to understand whether to show your card.
Please share these resources with your friends and family – and post them on social media.
Question: How can I earn social security loans and how much do I need to qualify for benefits?
A: We use your total annual income to calculate your social security loans. The amount needed for the loan in 2022 is $ 1,510. You can earn a maximum of four credits in any year. The amount required to obtain a single loan usually increases each year as the average wage increases.
You must earn a certain amount of credit to qualify for Social Security benefits. The number of credits required depends on your age when you apply and the type of application you receive. No one needs more than 40 credits to receive social security benefits. You can read more about loans in the “How You Earn Loans” section. www.ssa.gov/pubs.
For more information, visit our website at www.ssa.gov.
Question: I prefer to read audiobooks. Does Social Security have audio publications?
A: Yes, we do. You can find them at www.ssa.gov/pubs. Some of the available publications include “What You Can Do Online”, “Working with Disability – How We Can Help”, “Applying for Social Security Assistance”, and “Social Security Card and Number”. You can listen now on www.ssa.gov/pubs.
This column was prepared by the Department of Social Protection. For quick answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.
