This document provides information about obtaining and protecting your Social Security Number (SSN). It can be obtained at birth when applying for a birth certificate or by proving identity if not obtained at birth. An SSN is needed for employment, government services, financial institutions, and more. Your SSN should be kept confidential and only shared when legally required. Be wary of unsolicited requests for your SSN and ask how it will be used, what happens if you refuse, and the legal basis for the request.

1. Social Security Number

2. You Need a Social Security Number
so you can…
Get a Job
Collect Social Security
Receive other government services
Renting a home, Banks, Utilities, and Credit Cards
also will ask for your social security number (usually)

3. Ways to Get a
Social Security
Number
When a baby is born you can apply for the social
security number at the same time as applying for
the birth certificate.
If you don’t get this done at birth – you have to
prove your child’s age, identity and U.S. citizenship
status, as well as proof of your identity.
Anyone age 12 or older requesting an original
Social Security number card must appear for an
interview at a Social Security office, even if a
parent or guardian will sign the application on the
child’s behalf.

4. You will need a new Social Security Card
IF your name LEGALLY changes…
But why would my name ever change??
Marriage, Divorce, Court Order, or other
reason

5. I lost my card!
Complete an Application For A
Social Security Card (Form SS-5
(have to prove you are legally here
in the U.S. and your identity)
Replacement cards are free – you can get 3 per
year!
You can get 10 replacement cards in a lifetime.

6. Protect your
Social Security
Number!
This number should be CONFIDENTIAL – it is a
secret you shouldn’t share with anyone.
Do not carry it in your purse or wallet or pocket
Keep it in a safe place – like a safe deposit box
or a fire proof locked box in your house.

7. If someone wants your Social
Security Number? Ask them the
following…
Why your number is needed;
How your number will be used;
What happens if you refuse; and
What law requires you to give your
number?
Think carefully about how they answer these
questions and then decide if you want to
give them your
number.