If you have lost your card, you may apply for a replacement card, but the Social Security Administration takes no action just because it has been lost. Reporting a lost or stolen card will not prevent its misuse.
However, a person using your card or number can get other personal information about you and apply for credit in your name. So if you suspect someone is using your number, you should take these steps to protect yourself and your financial health:
* Educate yourself about identity theft;
* File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission;
* Check your Social Security record (call toll-free 1-800-772-1213; TTY 1-800-325-0778) to ensure that your income is calculated correctly; and
* Monitor your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com.
In most cases, the only time you will need to produce your card is when you apply for employment. Therefore, if you anticipate starting new employment, you should request a replacement card in advance.
You can replace your card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, 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 non-citizen status that require card updates may 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.
For more information about getting a replacement card, see "Documents You Need for a Social Security Card" at www.socialsecurity.gov/ss5doc.
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