- US. Why is Elon Musk against the Big, Beautiful Bill? The reasons for his rift with President Trump
- US. Here's why the Department of Education lower student loan interest rates
A Social Security card is an essential document used for identification, employment, and receiving government benefits so understanding the process and costs involved is important. Here's all you need to know.
Whether you need to get a card for the first time, replace a lost one, or update the information on an existing card, obtaining a new Social Security card or replacing a lost one is free of charge.
The Social Security istration (SSA) does not charge for issuing new cards, making it accessible for all eligible individuals and depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for a replacement card online.
Online requests are generally available for those who meet specific criteria, such as being over 18, a U.S. citizen, and having a valid driver's license or state ID. Alternatively, you may need to visit a local SSA office in person for things such as your name due to marriage or legal changes.
For U.S. citizens or eligible residents living outside the United States, the process requires ing the nearest Federal Benefits Unit or, if unavailable, the closest U.S. embassy or consulate. This ensures applicants abroad receive appropriate assistance with Social Security card applications or replacements despite their location.
For those who do not prefer the online methods, the SSA offers via phone from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., in multiple languages including English and Spanish. You can reach them at +1 800-772-1213, or if you are deaf or hard of hearing, at TTY +1 800-325-0778.
Why do I need a Social Security card for my child?
For first-time applicants, including newborns, the card is also issued without any fee. New parents are encouraged to request a Social Security number and card for their baby at the hospital, where it is easiest to apply during the birth certificate registration process.
Having a Social Security number for your child is necessary for several reasons: to claim them as a dependent on tax returns, open bank s in their name, obtain health insurance coverage, and apply for government benefits.
Social Security news: Supreme Court allows DOGE right to confidential data
On Friday, June 6, the Supreme Court reinstated access for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to sensitive Social Security data - overturning a lower court order that had temporarily blocked the move.
The ruling faced opposition from three liberal justices, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, who expressed concern about the privacy implications, but they werre not enough to maintain the ban.
"We conclude that, under the present circumstances," the Supreme Court ruled. "SSA may proceed to afford of the SSA DOGE Team access to the agency records in question in order for those to do their work."
The ruling occurred amid ongoing political tensions involving the Trump istration and tech leaders who have influenced government modernization efforts, with fears that regulations are not up to standards to protect people's data.