Have you ever been asked for your social security number and have been puzzled due to not remembering it? It’s pretty common, but what if you don’t have your SSN card on hand and you totally forget your number? There are ways to find your SSN!
Currently, there are situations in which you need to know your SSN, such as applying for a loan, starting a new job, or accessing state benefits. And although sometimes it is necessary to present your SSN card, it is usually enough to simply remember it.
But, back to the question at hand. How do you find your SSN if you’ve forgotten the number and lost the card? The answer is usually simple, as most official documents have your SSN on them. We suggest first starting to look at prior tax returns or any other work-related documents you have. You can also verify your bank statements or even your employer's W-2.
If you still can’t find your number with any of the above options, you will need to contact the SSA to begin the process for a replacement SSN card. However, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Here are a few other steps you can take first.
Do You Need a SSN Card to Have Your SSN?
In the United States, all citizens and permanent residents require a SSN with which they can work, conduct business or apply with a bank or financial institution. Similarly, with a social security number, you can pay taxes and obtain many other benefits.
Assigning a SSN by the SSA entails the issuance of a social security card. However, simply because you might have lost the SSN card doesn’t mean that you’ve “lost” your actual social security number. In fact, in most cases, it’s not recommended to walk around with your SSN card on you!
If you have a SSN card, we suggest scanning it and perhaps keeping a digital copy somewhere safe on your laptop or smartphone (password protected, obviously). Memorize the number and you’ll be fine.
How to Find Your SSN Online
Don’t have your SSN card and don’t remember the number? No worries. You can find your SSN online. To search for your SSN, you’ll have to have previously created an account on the United States Social Security Administration page under the My Social Security option.
Didn’t create an account before and now you need one to find your SSN online? Unfortunately, it’s a bit of a catch-22 here as you need to know your SSN in order to complete the online registration process. If you’ve already created one, you’ll simply need your username and password in order to log into the account.
Tip: If you’re reading this and you do have a SSN and know your SSN, we recommend going ahead and creating an account on the SSA website. This is helpful in the case that you forget your SSN or lose the card and need to login to access important information. Do it now while you know your SSN! Once you’ve forgotten it, you can’t create an account.
How to Get a Replacement SSN Card
To replace a social security card, you will need to complete an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5). This form is available online from the Social Security Administration. The application requires that you provide your full name, including any suffixes such as Jr., Sr., II, III, or IV; your date of birth, and contact phone number.
Likewise, you can also find your nearest SSA office and either call or email to inquire about the process you have to go through to replace your SSN card. As the form states, when applying for a replacement card, you have to provide at least one document to prove your identity. If you were born outside of the US, you must also provide a document that proves your US citizenship or current legal status in the country.
How to Get a Social Security Number
It’s hard to find your SSN if you don’t have one in the first place! Is that you? No worries. Here is the process you need to go through in order to get a social security number. First, let’s go over what a SSN is exactly.
A SSN is a unique 9-digit number, issued by the US government for taxpayer identification, record keeping, and income reporting. Once generated, the number is valid for life. It is recommended to keep it in a safe place and use it only when required by reliable government agencies or financial entities.
To access an SSN and therefore obtain a social security card, you must complete the application form SS-5 and attach at least two documents to prove your identity, age, and citizenship status. This form requests: date and place of birth, full name, maiden name of the mother and the social security number of the parents, among other things.
Finally, have photocopies of everything you submit for your records. You’ll have to wait at least 10 business days to receive your new SSN card once all your documentation is approved by the SSA.
What About Banking Without a SSN?
Whether you simply can’t find your SSN or aren’t eligible to apply for one, you still deserve to have access to quality banking solutions in the United States.
At Cheese, we believe that your immigration status should never affect your ability to access easy banking solutions. And, we also believe that those solutions should feature fee-free perks. How does free international wire transfers and up to 10% cash back sound? Good, right? You deserve it, and we make it easy for you to access.
To sign up for the Cheese Debit Card, simply use your passport and valid visa, along with a valid US address, to access our unique zero-fee, cash back debit card.
🧀️ No SSN required
🧀️ Apply with just an established US address, passport & valid visa
🧀️ $5 signup bonus
🧀️ Up to 10% cashback with every purchase
🧀️ Early paycheck (up to 2 days early!)
🧀️ No incoming wire transfer fee
Click here to learn more about the Cheese Debit Card or go ahead and download the Cheese Mobile Banking App for iOS or Android.
