Social Security help is available online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
According to The Social Security Administration, the best way to obtain help is through the SSA’s website, www.ssa.gov.
Those unable to use the website, may call the National 800 Number or their local Social Security office. They can often help by phone and save a trip to an office.
Offices are busiest Mondays, the morning after a federal holiday, and the first week of the month. If you come to an office, they may not be able to serve you that day. They may schedule an appointment or phone call for a different day.
If you do come to an office, masks are only required when the COVID-19 hospital admission level where the office is located is high. Signage will tell you if masks are required. Masks will be provided if you do not have one. Consider physically distancing and avoiding crowding if COVID-19 hospital admission levels are medium or high.
Visit www.ssa.gov or call first, if possible, so you know what documents to bring. Find out which offices are closed, or open by appointment only, by visiting www.ssa.gov/emergency.
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To Obtain a New Social Security Number and Card you will need to provide at least two documents to prove age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or current immigration status.
The new online service allows individuals to get replacement Social Security cards through the Social Security Administration website at: www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber
To Obtain a Replacement Card, if lost or stolen, you must prove your identity and U.S. citizenship.
To prove identity: Social Security must see:
If you do not have these specific documents or cannot get a replacement for them within ten days, Social Security will ask to see other documents, such as:
To Prove Age: Social Security must see:
To prove U.S. citizenship: Under recent changes in law, only certain documents can be accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include:
To prove immigration status: If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security must see your current U.S. immigration documents. Acceptable documents include:
How to Change a Name on Your Social Security Card: To change your name on your Social Security card, you must also complete Form SS-5. You need to provide recently issued documents that show your legally changed name such as a marriage document, divorce decree, court order for a name change, or certificate of Naturalization showing the new name. The new Social Security card will show your new name, but will have the same number as your old card.
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Social Security cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents or receipts showing you have applied for a document.
To Find the Nearest Social Security Office Look in Connecticut’s Community Resources Database:
Search by Service Name: Social Security Numbers
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SOURCE: U.S. Social Security Administration website
PREPARED BY: 211/jm
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: June2023