Put 'em in a drawer. It’s been, I dunno, 30+{?} years since I took mine out of my wallet after listening to the advice that it was better to not have it in there in case you get pick-pocketed. Of course, having to sign up with classes via SSN I do remember it so it’s not like I need it for anything.
Somewhere during COVID my passport expired. I didn’t bother getting a new one because why have it if I didn’t have any traveling plans but then I needed to fill out an I-9 for a new job & it’s harder w/o a passport as you need multiple things. I applied for & eventually got a new SS card but now that I’ve renewed my passport I’m not sure where the SS card is anymore
I have a plastic three tier plastic organizer set a friend got me for important papers. My social security, inside a plasti protector meant for trading cards, is in there.
I got my SS card in the late 70s and sometime shortly after that I had it laminated which apparently is a big no-no. It’s theoretically invalid now but it’s the only one I have ever had and it’s still sitting in the top drawer of the desk in my home office. I have had to show it to HR when starting a few jobs over the years and a couple of them have tutted about it being laminated but didn’t let it hinder things.
I have a Medicare card. For some reason, they print them on paper instead of plastic. I have it in a hard plastic top-loader sleeve too. The sleeve is slightly too big for my wallet. I often wish I could just have the card laminated.
The need for and appointment has nothing to do with the reason for my trip - no walk-ins at all were accepted. Security guard was turning almost everyone who showed up away at the door. Policy started last month. I had to call for an appointment, the person I spoke to said that I could have handled it as a walk-in if I had come in last month. Mrs. Martian was there for another reason recently, just walked in, took a number, and waited.
I’m sure that the need for an appointment had nothing to do with the reason you were going there- but I wouldn’t drive 35 minutes post-COVID without confirming that they take walk-ins because a lot of places that used to take either walk-ins no longer do or they fit them around appointments so that if you walk in at 9 am , you may be waiting until 2 pm for a free slot.
It surprises me that anyone would attempt to enter a SS office as a walk-in. No matter what or how recent their experience. Simple to make an appointment, and lessens any concern as to possible wait times.
But anyone is free to drive 35 miles each way, if they prefer. Not sure any annoyance resulting from that choice is the fault of the SS office…
Just got back from SSA. Gave the information, provided the correct paperwork. They said it would take two weeks to get a new card, unclear how long before the online system has the new name. We’ll see how they do with the holidays and potential government shutdown.