How many times can you get a new social security number?

You may receive no more than three replacement social security number cards in a year and ten replacement social security number cards per lifetime. We may allow for reasonable exceptions to these limits on a case-by-case basis in compelling circumstances.


What happens to my old SSN if I get a new one?

When issuing a new SSN, the Social Security Administration (SSA) links your old number to your new one so all of your wages earned will still be associated with you. As long as you let lenders know that you've changed your number, credit bureaus will be able to connect your credit history to your new SSN.

How do we not run out of SSNs?

The nine-digit SSN will eventually be exhausted. The previous SSN assignment process limited the number of SSNs that were available for assignment to individuals in each state. Randomization affords the SSA the opportunity to extend the number of SSNs available for assignment for many years.


What are acceptable reasons to change SSN?

Acceptable reasons for obtaining a new number include ongoing identity theft or threat of personal harm, such as from domestic violence. Receiving a new number doesn't erase the old one, which will remain on file at government agencies and some businesses.

Can I get a new SSN just because I want one?

You can get a new Social Security number, but only in very specific and rare situations. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires you to have a valid reason, such as being a victim of identity theft with ongoing issues, harassment, or abuse.


Explained: How to Get a New Social Security Number



How many times can you replace SSN?

(2) Limits on the number of replacement cards. There are limits on the number of replacement social security number cards we will issue to you. You may receive no more than three replacement social security number cards in a year and ten replacement social security number cards per lifetime.

What qualifies you to get a new Social Security number?

A victim of identity theft, who has attempted to fix problems resulting from the misuse but continues to be disadvantaged by using the original number. There is a situation of harassment, abuse or life endangerment. An individual has religious or cultural objections to certain numbers or digits in the original number.

What are the cons of changing your Social Security number?

Your old Social Security number is still tied to you

Having two Social Security numbers can also present other issues, as some records (medical, financial, employment) may be tied to the previous SSN and name (if you changed the latter).


What determines the first 3 numbers of your SSN?

Prior to June 25, 2011, the first three digits (the area number) indicated the geographic region where the person applied for their Social Security card. Numbers were assigned by state or territory. After 2011, the SSA implemented randomization, and these digits no longer have geographical significance.

How much does it cost to change your SSN?

Replace or change the information on a Social Security card

Social Security card replacements are free. To change vital information on your Social Security card, such as your name, go through the card replacement process. Depending on your situation, you may be able to request a replacement online or in person.

Can two people have the same SSN?

It's not as uncommon as you might think. In fact, some 40 million SSNs are associated with multiple people, according to a 2010 study by ID Analytics.


What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security?

There are a few different ways you could lose some or all of your Social Security benefits in retirement, including the following:
  • Working before full retirement age.
  • Having your benefits garnished or taxed.
  • No longer meeting the eligibility requirements.
  • Buy an annuity.
  • Consider a reverse mortgage.


What are signs someone is using my SSN?

Warning signs

Watch for unusual activity with your tax and Social Security accounts or personal and financial information, like: Tax return rejected. Form W-2 or Form 1099 from employer you didn't work for. Form 1099-G unemployment benefits you didn't get or apply for.

Can identity theft lead to a new SSN?

You should also monitor your credit report periodically. You can get free credit reports online at www.annualcreditreport.com. Should you get a new SSN? If you've done all you can to fix the problems resulting from misuse of your SSN, and someone is still using your number, we may assign you a new number.


Can you legally get your Social Security number changed?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a list of valid reasons to change an SSN, including identity theft, risk of harassment or endangerment, cultural objections, and administrative issues like sequential or duplicated numbers. The SSA reviews each request to change an SSN individually.

Is SSN linked to date of birth?

Footnote: It is true that the application form for an SSN asks for identfying information, such as date of birth, place of birth, parents' names, and (optionally) the applicant's race. But none of this identifying information is encoded in the SSN itself--not the person's date of birth, place of birth, or race.

Do Social Security numbers get reused after death?

Q20: Are Social Security numbers reused after a person dies? A: No. We do not reassign a Social Security number (SSN) after the number holder's death.


How much do you have to make to get $3,000 a month in Social Security?

Earnings of just $5,703 per month, or less than $68,500 per year, would suffice to get you to the point at which claiming Social Security at 70 would pay you that $3,000 per month amount.

How difficult is it to change SSN?

You can change your Social Security number, but you must have a valid reason and proper documentation for proof. Qualifying reasons for a new SSN include repeated identity theft attempts or harassment and abuse.

What changes are coming to Social Security in 2026?

In 2026, the earnings-test limits are rising, allowing seniors to earn more money before having benefits withheld. If you work and collect Social Security in 2026, you can earn up to $24,480 without having benefits withheld -- up from $23,400 in 2025.


What disqualifies you from getting Social Security?

Not all U.S. workers qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. You can't collect Social Security in retirement if you haven't worked enough to accrue 40 credits, which takes approximately 10 years. Certain types of government workers may not be eligible, including some railroad employees.

Who can legally ask for a Social Security number?

In the United States, certain agencies — like the IRS, Social Security Administration, and state tax authorities — can legally ask for your SSN. Employers need SSNs to report wages to the IRS and state tax authorities. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues tax returns, W-2 forms, and 1099 filings by using SSNs.

How much does it cost to replace a SSN?

You can request a free replacement card.