Sometimes it becomes necessary for a person escaping a violent relationship or other life-threatening situation to shed their previous identity for protection. Domestic violence and stalking victims, or those who are under threat of physical harm, often must choose between the stress of starting over and the fear of staying put.
Here's everything Americans need to know about this ultra-important program.
Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes worldwide. In addition to combing the internet for unguarded information, thieves can obtain your SSN and other personal details by going through your trash, stealing your wallet, or contacting you by phone or email posing as an employer, bank employee, or insurance agent. These people often sell your information on the dark web or black market.
Once your identity is stolen, it may not be possible to truly get it back.
If someone manages to steal your SSN, they can easily use it to obtain other information about you, such as your name, birthday, and credit information. In some cases, the damage is irreparable.
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The SSA may approve a change if similar numbers within a family unit cause confusion or if two identical numbers have been issued in error. If you have a religious objection to a certain number or sequence of numbers within your current SSN, you may also qualify for a change. The SSA does not provide replacement numbers for those who want to avoid the consequences of bankruptcy or are evading the law.
In addition, you will not be issued a new number if you lose your Social Security card, and there is no evidence your number is being used by someone else.
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After providing a statement explaining why you need a new number, you must provide credible, third-party documentation of your reason, including medical, legal, or police documents regarding identity theft , abuse, or harassment. In addition, you must provide documentation of your U. If you have custody of any children or changed your name in the past, supporting documentation must also be provided. Specific guidelines apply regarding acceptable sources and types of documentation. Social Security.
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Retirement Planning Social Security. Table of Contents Expand. Rules on Changing an SSN. Due to restrictions enacted in March , new entries to publicly available versions of the Social Security Death Index will not be available for three years beginning on the date of an individual's death. You will not find everyone who died from about to about mid-March , but it does list many deaths in that time frame, especially in more recent years particularly after the late s.
It is close to being a national death index for the United States. If you find someone listed in the Social Security Death Index you can usually order a copy of the form they filled out when they applied for a Social Security Card SS-5 application from the Social Security Administration for a fee.
This record usually has more information about the person such as date and place of birth, and names of parents. However, names of parents may not always be released by the SSA.
The Social Security Death Index
See restrictions on SS-5 forms below. You can also find information about ordering a copy of an SS-5 form there. Not everyone listed in the SSDI is included. You might find people in this database who are not in the SSDI.