There are a variety of reasons why a person would seek to change their Social Security number. Some of the more pressing reasons a person wants to change their Social Security number can include safety concerns for people who are fearful of their safety and people who have been the victims of identity theft and fraud. This link will connect you to a very informative article regarding the process and rules related to changing a Social Security Number. One thing to keep in mind is that patience is likely to be required.
Social Security offices have remained closed to the public eliminating most in-office service since March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic caused shutdowns, but there is a limited opportunity to contact Social Security to make an in-office appointment to get your Social Security number changed. A person will have to complete and application to apply for a new number and must provide appropriate documentation and provide one of the agency’s acceptable reasons to change a Social Security number. In the article link you can see all the different reasons Social Security will consider changing a Social Security number. Below is some other information about changing a Social Security numbers including potential reasons and the steps needed to take to change a Social Security number.
Reasons accepted for requesting a new Social Security number
The SSA, although it is discouraged, does allow for people to change their Social Security number but the list of reasons is limited and requires the individual to extensively prove that the request is valid and necessary. Reasons can include financial harm caused by identity theft or one’s life is in danger due to domestic violence, among others.
To get a Social Security number changed, the person requesting it must do so in person at one of the Social Security offices, making an appointment ahead of time.
In the event the SSA agrees that a person is eligible to have their number changed, they will still retain their old number for the agency’s record keeping. This ensures that all contributions, both on the original number and the new number are tallied to the same person. Likewise, the original number may still be used by financial institutions or state agencies in addition to the new number.
Protect what’s important to you, and don’t carry your Social Security card with you every day. In most cases, knowing the number is enough.
How to change your Social Security number
You must make an appointment with a Social Security office to request a new Social Security number and bring along all necessary paperwork required.
Along with the necessary documents to prove why you are requesting a change of number, you will need to fill out an application for a new card and provide a written statement for why you require a new Social Security number. You will also need to provide original documents of identity, and if needed, evidence of legal name change, as well as proof of age and US citizenship or work-authorized immigration status.
