Social Security Cards Are Safer at Home

Scams to steal your personal information are at an all-time high. It’s important to continue to safeguard personal documents such as your Social Security card.

A Social Security card is not an identification document. In many situations, you only need to know your Social Security number (SSN). Your physical card is not necessary for most business needs.

Do you need evidence for work? There are several documents you can use instead of your card. Other acceptable evidence includes the following:

• Birth Certificate.
• Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt.
• Employment Authorization Document.
• Form I-94 or Form I-94A.

You do not need to show your physical card to apply for certain benefits. You can simply provide your SSN for benefits like:

• Housing.
• Health insurance.
• Food assistance.

You should also know your physical card is not typically required as evidence for the Department of Motor Vehicles or Driver License (REAL ID). Other acceptable evidence includes:

• W-2 forms.
• Form SSA-1099.
• Non-SSA-1099 forms.
• Pay stubs.

Keeping your card at home reduces the risk of loss or theft – and helps you keep your information safe.