Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay
Courtesy: Social Security Administration
Social Security touches the lives of nearly every American. We’ve been with you from Day One, when your parents applied for your Social Security number, and we are with you from your first job through your retirement party and beyond.
For more than 80 years, Social Security has remainded true to its mission of providing financial protection for the American people and has served as one of the most successful anti-poverty programs in our nation’s history. We encourage everyone to take steps to ensure their financial security. Regardless of your age or place in life, now is the time to start planning for a financially secure future for yourself and your family.
Everyone can benefit from our first step: Get to know your Social Security. You can start your journey through all things Social Security by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov and navigating through our menu.
Along the way, you’ll see how your Social Security number opens many important doors throughout life, from making it easier to apply for student aid and opening your first bank account, to starting your first job and buying your first house. You’ll also discover how your contributions to the Social Security system through FICA payroll taxes can make you eligible for important future benefits when you reach retirement age or if you become severely injured or ill.
You’ll find how Social Security helps your family in the form of survivor benefits and how our Supplemental Security Income program assists disabled children and our most vulnerable adults.
We also encourage you to visit our website and set up your own my Social Security account today so you can begin taking steps toward financial security.
Through our website and your online account with us, you can:
- Verify your lifetime earnings record to ensure you’re getting credit for all your contributions toward Social Security and Medicare;
- Estimate future benefits for you and your family;
- Manage your Social Security benefits and personal information; and
- Learn more about how we’re securing your today and tomorrow.
Now that you’ve started to get to know your Social Security, stay in touch by visiting our Social Security Matters blog at blog.ssa.gov/.
We encourage you to visit us at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay is Social Security’s public affairs specialist in Hawai‘i.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Question: I’m 17 and eager to start my first summer job, but my mother misplaced my Social Security card. How can I get another one?
Answer: If you know your Social Security number, you may not need to get a replacement card to obtain employment. However, if a prospective employer requests it, you can get a replacement Social Security card by following the steps below. There is no charge for a Social Security card, but you are limited to three per calendar year and 10 replacement cards during your lifetime.
You will need to:
- Show the required documents. We need to see different documents depending on your citizenship and the type of card you are requesting. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber to find out which documents you will have to show;
- Fill out an Application for a Social Security Card; and
- Take or mail your application and original or certified copies of the original documents to your local Social Security office.
For more information, read our pamphlet, Your Social Security Number and Card at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
