Social Security: how can I change my number and in which cases is it valid to do so

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues a Social Security number (SSN) to US citizens and people with permanent residence card or permission to work in the United States.

This number is essential to record a person’s earnings and determine if they are entitled to Social Security benefits and certain government services. In addition, many financial institutions, such as banks and credit companies, also ask for this number when opening an account.

The SSN is unique, non-transferable and is designed so that each worker has it for life; Nevertheless, in specific cases it can be changed. Here we explain how.

Social Security: how can I change my number and in which cases is it valid to do so

According to the official portal of the SSA, the Social Security number can be changed when:

• Sequential numbers assigned to members of the same family are causing problems
• More than one person is assigned or the same number is used.
• A victim of identity theft continues to be at a disadvantage when using the original number.
• There is a situation of harassment, abuse or danger to life.
• An individual has religious or cultural objections to certain numbers or digits in the original number. (In this case, written documentation is required to support the objection of a religious group with which the number holder has an established relationship.)

How to request a new number?

The SSA website indicates that the change must be requested in person at a Social Security office. However, these are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, so We recommend calling 1-800-772-1213 for more information.

You must also complete a Request form Y provide a statement explaining the reasons why you need a new number. You must also provide current, credible, third-party evidence documenting the reasons why a new number is needed.

Finally, it is necessary provide original documents to verify US citizenship or immigration status authorized to work, age and identity.

It should be mentioned that by assigning a different Social Security number, the SSA does not destroy the original number, as we cross-reference the new number with the original number to make sure the person receives credit for all earnings under both numbers.

–