Social Security card definition

In the United States, the Social Security Card is the document that helps identify and record a citizen’s wages or self-employment earnings, containing the cardholder's full name and Social Security number. It is also used to monitor a person’s record once they start receiving benefits.

The Social Security number (ssn) is a nine-digit number that is issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, as well as temporary residents under section 205 (c)(2) of the Social Security Act. The social security number is the first and continuous connection with Social Security.

A U.S. citizen can get a Social Security card or a replacement card if:

• The person is a U.S. citizen age 18 years or older with a U.S. mailing address
• The person is not requesting a name change or any other change to the card
• The person has a driver’s license or a state-issued identification card

Read more: How to get a replacement Social Security Card