Social Security cards and numbers
By Judith Bartels,
Social Security district manager in Springfield
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[January 14, 2013]
SPRINGFIELD
-- Do you know where your Social Security card is? Hopefully,
it's in a safe place, tucked away securely with your other important
papers. It certainly should not be in your purse or wallet and
should not be carried with you every day, since it can be more
valuable than cash to an identity thief.
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Do you know your Social Security number? Chances are you have it
memorized. If you know your number, you may never need your card
again. It is the number, not the card, that is most important. In
the event that you lose your Social Security card and really need a
replacement, you can find out all the details on how to obtain a
replacement card, and what specific documents you need to provide,
at
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. Each situation is unique, but
in most cases you simply need to print, complete, and either mail or
bring the application to Social Security with the appropriate
documentation (originals or certified copies only).
If you need to apply for a Social Security card and number for
your child, you can do that the same way, and you can get the
specific information at the same website. In almost all cases,
though, an application for your infant's Social Security card and
number is taken in the hospital at the same time you apply for your
baby's birth certificate.
Why does a baby need a Social Security number? There are a number
of reasons, but the main one is so that you can claim your child as
a dependent on your tax return. Social Security numbers are also
needed for children to apply for certain government and social
service benefits.
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As you prepare for tax season, just around the corner, make sure
the kids (and all the dependents) you list on your annual tax return
have Social Security numbers. If you want to claim your child as a
dependent on your tax return (and who doesn't?), your child will
need a Social Security number. Note that all dependents listed on
your federal tax return will need Social Security numbers, including
a dependent parent who lives with you and receives support from you.
Learn more about Social Security at
www.socialsecurity.gov.
And learn more about your Social Security card and number at
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber, where you can print out an
application and find out everything you need for your specific
situation.
[By JUDITH BARTELS,
Social Security district manager
in Springfield]
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