Sonya needed help with getting a copy of her social security card but didn’t know what to do since the Social Security Administration Office is closed to the public due to Covid-19.
She called the Social Security Office’s 800 numbers and a representative told her that she can either create an online account or mail in an application, Form SS-5, with her ID to request a copy of her social security card.
She went online to the Social Security Administration website and tried creating an online account but it would not let her because it was unable to verify her information on file. Her other option was to mail in an application with her ID, but she only had one ID and didn’t want to be without it. Conflicted, she did not know what to do and sought advice from one of the Family Bridges staff that works at Oak Street Community Cabins where she currently resides.
The staff was able to call the Social Security Office with Sonya to set up a virtual meeting with one of the Social Security Administration’s representatives. The representative set a time and provided a link to have an online meeting which requires either an iPhone or a computer.
The meeting was set an hour after the initial phone call. The representative verified Sonya’s identification and initiated her request to get a copy of her social security card. A process that took about 15 minutes to complete and a couple of weeks later she received her card in the mail.
Not a lot of people are aware of this new process. But it’s one that works best if you have doubts about sending in your ID with the paper application or cannot create an online account with the Social Security Administration.
Contributed by David Le
