Social Security Q&A

Q: I lost my Social Security card, but I remember my number and I don't plan to change careers anytime soon. Do I really need a new card?

A: The only time you may need the card is when you apply for a job and your prospective employer asks to see it. If you do decide to get a new card or your old one turns up, don't carry it with you. Keep your card somewhere safe, with your other important papers. 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 marital status that might require card updates do 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. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

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Q: I recently noticed on my annual statement that my date of birth in Social Security's records is wrong. How do I get that corrected?

A: To change the date of birth shown on our records you can take the following steps:

Complete an Application For A Social Security Card http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html (Form SS-5); and

Show us documents proving:

— U.S. citizenship or legal noncitizenship status (if you have not previously established your citizenship status with us);

— Age; and

— Identity.

Take (or mail) your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office.

Remember that all documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. For details on acceptable documents, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ss5doc.

(This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213.)