Report The Death Of A Social Security Or Medicare Beneficiary
You must report the death of a family member receiving Social Security or Medicare benefits. The Social Security Administration processes death reports for both. Find out how you can report a death and how to cancel benefit payments. In addition to canceling SSA and Medicare benefits, find out what other benefits and accounts you should cancel.
Get Ssa Benefits While Living Abroad
U.S. citizens can travel to or live in most, but not all, foreign countries and still receive their Social Security benefits. You can find out if you can receive benefits overseas by using the Social Security Administrations payment verification tool. Once you access the tool, pick the country you’re visiting or living in from the drop-down menu options.
What To Do If Your Social Security Number Has Been Stolen
If your Social Security card has been lost or stolen, or if you believe your Social Security number has been compromised, there are some steps you can take to help prevent someone from using your information to open accounts in your name:
- Add a security alert. Contact Experian and request an initial security alert, also called a fraud alert, to be added to your credit report. Experian will notify the other two credit reporting companies, Equifax and TransUnion, so that they can add alerts as well.
- Review your credit reports carefully. Take time to review all three credit reports to check for signs of identity theft and fraud. If you see information you believe may be fraud-related, you can begin the dispute process online.
- Notify the Social Security Administration. Contact the SSA to notify them if you believe your Social Security number was lost or stolen or that someone may be attempting to use it fraudulently.
- Monitor your credit going forward. Signing up for Experian’s free credit monitoring service will ensure that you are alerted to any changes to your credit report right away. Experian also offers a separate identity theft monitoring service, which scans the dark web for your information and provides identity theft insurance.
- File a police report. If you believe your information was stolen or that someone is using your Social Security number without your permission, consider filing a police report.
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What To Do If Your Social Security Card Was Lost Or Stolen
If your card is lost or stolen, then you need to act immediately to help protect yourself. As soon as you recognize that your card was stolen, you should file a report with your local police department. Notify the authorities so that they can begin working on finding the culprit, and that police report also serves as proof that your card really was stolen in case you need to work on repairing your credit later. A stolen Social Security card is typically more likely to cause you problems down the road, but a lost card can cause issues too. If you simply lost or misplaced your card, then you can skip this step and move on to the next one.
In addition to the police, you will want to go ahead and notify the Social Security Administration that your card is lost or stolen. You should go ahead and register for your MySocialSecurity account at SSA.gov also. This online portal allows you to request a replacement card, view your earnings statements, estimate your future benefits, and many more things. Make sure that you claim your account so that whoever has your SS card cannot claim it fraudulently.
What To Do If Someone Steals Your Tax Refund
If someone uses your Social Security number to file for a tax refund before you do, youll usually find out when you file your return with the IRS.
If you file by mail, the IRS will mail you a letter explaining that they received more than one return in your name. Follow the instructions in the letter.
If you try to submit your tax return online or through a tax preparer, the IRS will reject your tax return as a duplicate filing. If this happens, go to IdentityTheft.gov and report it. IdentityTheft.gov will create your
- FTC Identity Theft Report
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If You Find That You Need To Replace Your Number Here Are Some Things You Must Consider:
- Getting a new Social Security number isnt easy. For starters, you have to prove that the theft of your number has caused you legal problems, bad credit, or denied loans.
- Having a new number doesnt automatically mean that your problems will just disappear. Your old number will continue to remain valid so youll have to continue monitoring it.
- A new Social Security number is like starting out with no credit at all, so youll have to work hard to build it again.
- The decision is completely up to the Social Security Administration. Even if you meet all of the above criteria, your application could be still be rejected.
If your case becomes so severe that you decide a new number is the only way you can solve the problem, then you will need to apply for a new number.
How To Replace A Lost Or Stolen Social Security Card
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Whether you lost your Social Security card, or youre helping a loved one who lost theirs, the process of replacing a Social Security card can be confusing. Luckily, the Social Security Administration understands that accidents happen. They allow you to replace your Social Security card up to 10 times.
Jump ahead to these sections:
And heres some additional good news: you rarely need your physical Social Security card. As long as you have your Social Security number memorized, you can complete most official and government paperwork.
Below, well discuss the steps you can take to replace your Social Security card if its lost or stolen. Well also give you some pointers on how to protect your identityor your loved ones identityif and when this happens.
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Corrected Card For A Foreign Born Us Citizen Child
If you legally change your child’s name because of adoption, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that your child can get a corrected card. If your child is working, also tell your child’s employer. If you do not tell us when your child’s name changes, it may:
- Delay your tax refund or your child’s refund and
- Prevent your child’s wages from being posted correctly to your child’s Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your child’s future Social Security benefits.
Important
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current . We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
Provide Documents That Establish All Of The Following Information:
- U.S. citizenship
The process is tedious, and even if provide everything listed, you can still be turned down.
The bottom line is that when your Social Security card is either lost or stolen, its imperative that you take action immediately. Do not procrastinate. The sooner you can start the paper trail, the better the chances that fraudulent activities are cleared from your report.
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Where To Find Your Social Insurance Number And What To Do If Its Lost Or Stolen
At one point in your life, you may have heard someone tell you to not lose your Social Insurance Number , at all costs. If it got stolen or you think you lost yours, try not to worry.
Itll be okay.
Heres what you need to know about why your SIN is important, what to do if its lost or stolen, and how to protect it.
Key Takeaways
Helping A Loved One Replace A Social Security Card
If youre assisting an elderly or disabled loved one, you can help them through the process. Additionally, you can request a Social Security card for your child or dependent.
Different documents may be required to prove the persons identity, depending on his or her citizenship status and age.
You can print out the Application for a Social Security Card for your loved one, help them fill it out, and take it in or mail it to your nearest SSA office.
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Who Has Eyes On Your Social Security Number
Everyone wants your Social Security number â financial institutions, Medicare, the IRS, and even scammers. As long as SSNs are used as unique identifiers, bad actors will go to great lengths to nab them.
The massive SSNDOB Marketplace scheme was yet another unsettling reminder of this. In June 2022, the federal government seized and dismantled a series of websites that sold stolen SSNs on the Dark Web. These websites generated over $19 million in revenue by peddling the information of over 24 million Americans.
Illicit marketplaces aside, your Social Security card may get lost in a move or stolen from your wallet. In this guide, weâll share how to protect your Social Security card and what to do in the event of an SSN theft or data breach.
Visit Your Ssa In Person
To request a new Social Security card in person, print and fill out the Social Security card application provided online. Bring the completed application, as well as documentation to prove your identity, age, and citizenship, to your local SSA office.
The Social Security Administration provides the Social Security Office Locator to find the office nearest you.
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Can I Replace My Social Security Card The Same Day
Unfortunately, you cannot replace your Social Security card the same day. You can, however, visit your local Social Security office and obtain a receipt serving as proof that you have submitted your application for a new card. This receipt can be used as evidence of a temporary card in some situations. It will take anywhere from 10-14 to process your application for a new card, but the quickest way to get the replacement is through your Social Security account online.
Contact The Social Security Fraud Hotline
The federal government, particularly the Social Security Administration , has zero tolerance for fraud. The SSA works alongside the Office of the Inspector General to investigate fraud allegations.
The OIG then refers cases to U.S. attorneys with the Department of Justice for prosecution. Together, the SSA and OIG operate the Social Security Fraud Hotline to report instances of fraud.
What does this mean?
If you suspect your SSN or Social Security card was stolen, the SSA wants to know. A stolen Social Security card is akin to someone committing fraud, waste, or abuse against the SSA â just as much as it is a personal violation and financial threat to you.
Hereâs how you do it:
To contact the Social Security Fraud Hotline and alert the OIG of potential fraud, dial 1-800-269-0271. If youâd prefer, you can submit a report online at https://oig.ssa.gov/report/.
You will be asked to include as much detail about the case as possible, including a description of the fraud, when it took place, and how it was committed.
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How Do I Report My Social Security Card Stolen
You should call your local law enforcement to report your card stolen. They can take a police report and begin an investigation into finding the thief. You should also notify the Social Security Administration that your card has been stolen as well as the IRS. Notifying these agencies, in addition to the credit bureaus, will flag your SSN and make it more difficult for the thief to perform fraudulent activity using your SSN.
Claim Your My Social Security Profile
Every individual with an SSN is eligible to create a free my Social Security account to update their personal information and request a replacement Social Security card. In the event that your physical Social Security card is stolen, claim your SSA profile immediately.
Hereâs how you do it:
Visit the SSA website to create your own my Social Security profile or get started here. Pair your email address with a unique, never-before-used password for ultimate protection against future identity theft.
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Review Your Social Security Statement
Your Social Security Statement is a summary of your earnings and Social Security and Medicare taxes. Criminals who assume your identity with your SSN can indirectly alter your Social Security Statement, especially if they commit tax fraud.
What does this mean?
Your Social Security Statement explains what you can anticipate in Social Security benefits when you reach full retirement age. Itâs based on your earnings, which are reported by you and your employers.
Your earnings are recorded by the SSA throughout your lifetime and are updated each time you or your employers re-report them.
However, your Social Security Statement is only as accurate as your earnings. A criminal who steals your SSN and creates fraudulent identification records or commits tax fraud will drastically alter your earnings. Itâs important to review your statement to flag any unfamiliar activity.
Hereâs how you do it:
To review your Social Security Statement along with the earnings that could signal fraudulent activity, first log into your personal my Social Security account. To access your statement, visit the designated tab: www.ssa.gov/myaccount/statement.html. Report any inconsistencies to the SSA immediately.
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Identity Theft: What You Need To Know
Identity theft cases surged in New York State in 2020, inflicting financial losses on individuals and threatening disruption to government programs as well as private financial institutions, according to Federal Trade Commission . Read the May 2021 New York State Comptroller’s report The Increasing Threat of Identity Theft to learn more
Thieves with access to personal information Social Security number, birth certificate, PIN or credit card numbers, even pre-approved credit card solicitations can steal your identity and apply for credit in your name, racking up huge debts without you even knowing that it has happeneduntil its too late. Identity thieves also use individuals personally identifiable information for a variety of other purposes, including fraudulently obtaining medical services, unemployment insurance, prescription drugs or medical insurance coverage. To protect yourself, follow these suggestions:
Safeguard Your Personal Information:
Protect Your Bank Accounts and Your Mail:
Protect Yourself on the Internet and Protect Your Computer:
- If you must use a public computer, confirm first that it is not running a desktop search engine and that the proprietor has denied users administrative privileges so they can’t install any programs that might be used to capture your emails or passwords.
If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft:
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Why You Might Not Want To Replace The Card
According to the Social Security Administration , it is far more important that you simply know your Social Security number than it is to actually carry your card with you.While you may need to know your Social Security number for filling out various applications, you are rarely required to actually show anyone your Social Security card. You do not even need your card when applying for Social Security benefits. In fact, if you carry your card with you, the more likely it is to be lost or stolen, greatly increasing your risk of becoming an identity theft victim.
Request Additional Free Credit Reports
Urgent Travel …” alt=”Social security number and social security card online > Urgent Travel …”> California identity theft victims with a police report of identity theft are entitled to receive up to 12 free credit reports, one per month for the 12 months following the date of the police report. The procedure for requesting free monthly reports is different for each of the credit bureaus.2
Experian: Make a single request to receive all of your free monthly reports. Mail your request for 12 free monthly reports to Experian at P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013. Enclose a copy of the police report of identity theft, a copy of a government-issued identification card , and a copy of proof of current mailing address . Also provide your full name including middle initial , previous addresses for the past two years, Social Security number and date of birth.
TransUnion LLC: Write or call in your request each month. Mail to TransUnion LLC, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016. Or call the toll-free number printed on your most recent TransUnion LLC credit report. Provide your full name including middle initial , Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of residence .
Equifax: Write or call in your request each month. Mail to Equifax Fraud Department, P.O. Box 740250, Atlanta, GA 30374. Or call the toll-free number printed on your most recent Equifax credit report.
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