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Social Security
Questions and Answers
Question:
What are some of the documents Social Security will accept
as proof of identity for a child?
Answer:
While you can use a birth certificate to prove age or
citizenship, you cannot use it as proof of identity. Social
Security needs evidence of the child’s existence after
birth. An acceptable document must show your child’s name,
identifying information, and, preferably, a recent
photograph. Your child must be present unless the picture ID
also shows your child’s biographical information (i.e., age,
date of birth, and parents’ names). We generally can accept
a non-photo identity document if it has enough information
to identify the child (such as the child’s name and age,
date of birth, and parents’ names). We prefer to see the
child’s U.S. passport. If that document is not available, we
may accept the child’s:
·
Adoption decree;
·
Doctor, clinic, or hospital record;
·
Religious record (e.g., baptismal record);
·
Daycare center or school record; or
·
School identification card.
All documents must be either originals or copies certified
by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or
notarized copies of documents. To find out more, visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.
There, you can also find out what documents you need, fill
out and print an application, and then bring or mail the
needed information to Social Security. You may also want to
read the publication, Social Security Numbers For
Children, available at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
Question:
A few years ago, I lost my Social Security card. Now my
credit report shows that someone might be using my Social
Security number. I’m afraid they might ruin my credit. What
should I do?
Answer:
Identity theft and fraud are serious problems, not just for
you, but for the financial integrity of our agency. It also
puts our national security at risk if someone dangerous is
using your number to obtain other forms of identification.
It’s against the law to use someone else’s Social Security
number, give false information when applying for a number,
or alter, buy, or sell Social Security cards. Keep in mind,
you should never carry your Social Security card with you.
If you think someone is using your Social Security number
fraudulently, you should report it to the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) right away. You can report it at
www.idtheft.gov or you
can call FTC’s hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4261)
TTY: (1-866-653-4261).
Question:
Why is it so important that my baby have a Social Security
number?
Answer:
Your child may need a Social Security number if you are
planning to open a bank account, buy savings bonds, obtain
medical coverage, or apply for government services for the
child. Your child will also need a Social Security number if
you are going to declare him or her on your taxes. Getting a
Social Security number for your newborn is voluntary, but it
is a good idea to apply when your child is born. You can
apply for a Social Security number for your baby when you
apply for your baby’s birth certificate. The state agency
that issues birth certificates will give us your child’s
information and we will mail you a Social Security card with
the child’s Social Security number. Visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber
for more information.
Question:
I suspect that someone I know is collecting Social Security
disability benefits when they shouldn’t be. What is
the best way for me to report fraud?
Answer:
You can
report fraud online at
http://oig.ssa.gov/report
or call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
Social Security has zero tolerance for fraud and uses many
proven tactics to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. Our
Office of the Inspector General is relentless in its pursuit
of people who conceal work activity while receiving
disability benefits. We investigate and seek prosecution for
people who receive benefits for a child or children who
aren’t under their care, or who fail to notify Social
Security of the death of a beneficiary and continue to
receive and cash checks of the deceased.
We
also
depend on you to help stop fraud.
Question:
I haven’t received my Social Security Statement in
the mail the last few years. Will I ever get one again?
Answer:
In September 2014, Social Security
resumed
mailing Social Security Statements to workers
ages 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,
and 60
who aren’t
receiving Social Security benefits,
and
who
don’t
have a
my
Social Security
account.
Rather than once every five years, those over age 60
will receive a Statement every year.
Instead of
waiting to receive a mailed Statement once every five
years, we encourage
people
to open a my Social Security
account
at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
so they can access their Statement online,
anytime.
Question:
I’m gathering everything
I’ll need to file my taxes this month. Do I have to pay
taxes on Social Security benefits? Also, where can I get a
replacement 1099?
Answer:
Some people who get Social Security must pay federal income
taxes on their benefits. Still, no one pays taxes on more
than 85 percent of their Social Security benefits.
You must pay taxes on some portion of your benefits if you
file an individual federal tax return and your income
exceeds $25,000. If you file a joint return, you must pay
taxes if you and your spouse have combined income of more
than $32,000. If you are married and file a separate return,
you probably will have to pay taxes on your benefits. You
can read more about tax preparation in relation to Social
Security at
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/taxes.htm.
Social Security benefits include monthly retirement,
survivor, and disability benefits. They don’t include
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, which are not
taxable. You can also get a replacement 1099 or 1042S when
you open your own personal my Social Security account
at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
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