Can I change my Social Security number?

To request a different Social Security number, contact your local Social Security office for an in-person appointment.

What happens when you change your Social Security number?

Changing your number does not affect the information in your Social Security file. The old and new numbers are cross-referenced to make sure your earnings history and other data is not lost.

How long does it take to change your Social Security number?

If the SSA has all the information it needs, you could receive your new Social Security card in as little as one week, depending on your situation.

Can you get a new SSN if your identity is stolen?

If you decide to apply for a new number, you'll need to prove your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or immigration status. For more information, ask for Your Social Security Number and Card (Publication Number 05-10002). You'll also need to provide evidence that you're having ongoing problems because of the misuse.

Can you change your Social Security number online?

You must submit a new Form SS-5 in person at the nearest Social Security office.

Did You Know You Can Change Your Social Security Number? Here's How!

What to do if my SSN is stolen?

You may reach the FTC's identity theft hotline toll free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or visit their website at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. Additional Resources: Protecting Your Social Security Number from Identity Theft.

How do I block my Social Security number?

If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).

What happens when you lock your Social Security number?

Locking your Social Security number prevents anyone — including you — from changing or accessing your Social Security record. If your Social Security number is compromised and you're already the victim of identity theft, act quickly to safeguard your personal information.

Can you have two different Social Security numbers?

1401.7Can a person have more than one SSN? Most persons have only one SSN. In certain limited situations, SSA can assign you a new number. If you receive a new SSN, you should use the new number.

What was the first Social Security number?

This particular record, (055-09-0001) belonged to John D. Sweeney, Jr., age 23, of New Rochelle, New York. The next day, newspapers around the country announced that Sweeney had been issued the first SSN.

Is it hard to change your Social Security?

The Social Security Administration does allow you to change your number, but only under limited circumstances, such as identity theft or if your safety is in danger. You will also need to supply appropriate documentation to support your application for a new number.

Does your Social Security number stay the same when you change your name?

Your Social Security number will not change. The Social Security website has an interactive page with more detailed information on what you need to get a new card. For name-change requests, click the tab that says “Corrected” under “Type of card."

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Who is eligible for Social Security bonus? For every year that you delay claiming past full retirement age, your monthly benefits will get an 8% “bonus.” That amounts to a whopping 24% if you wait to file until age 70.

Can someone cancel your Social Security number?

Whether it's a call, text or email, the FTC and the SSA debunk the falsehoods you'll hear in the Social Security impostor scams. — No, your Social Security number cannot be suspended, revoked, frozen or blocked.

Is your credit score tied to your SSN?

A Social Security number is only one of the identifiers that credit bureaus use to create a credit report. Below, we'll look at some of the different ways you can establish credit without a Social Security number while you are living in the United States.

How many times can you get a new Social Security number?

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA) of 2004 (Public Law 108-458 ) limits the number of replacement SSN cards an individual may receive to 3 per year and 10 in a lifetime, beginning with cards issued on or after December 17, 2005.

What does the first 3 digits of your SSN mean?

The first three (3) digits of a person's social security number are determined by the ZIP Code of the mailing address shown on the application for a social security number. Prior to 1973, social security numbers were assigned by our field offices.

What do the first 5 digits of SSN mean?

Number Has Three Parts

The first set of three digits is called the Area Number. The second set of two digits is called the Group Number. The final set of four digits is the Serial Number.

How common is SSN theft?

Social Security Numbers Are Fraud Gold

Social Security numbers are often used to commit identity theft, which defrauded 51,600 victims out of $278 million during 2021, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

How much does it cost to lock your Social Security number?

There is NO COST to place or lift a security freeze. For more information, see detailed instructions entitled “Placing a Security Freeze on Your Credit Report to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft” below.

How do I stop someone from filing my taxes in my name?

Should you freeze your Social Security number?

Unless you're concerned that your identity is imminently at risk for theft, locking your number through your Social Security online account might not be necessary.

How do criminals get a new identity?

To commit SIF, fraudsters begin by stealing legitimate Social Security numbers from people who aren't using their credit – usually a child, a homeless person, or the recently deceased. To build a “synthetic” identity – or thousands of them – fraudsters add fake addresses, phone numbers, and even social media accounts.

What are the warning signs of identity theft?

How can I find out if someone is using my identity?