# social security numbers

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-numbers/194762>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [August 12, 2003, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-numbers/194762 "2003-08-12T22:51:43Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Amberlei](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e56c9b/32.png) [@Amberlei](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amberlei)\
**Post date:** [August 12, 2003, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-numbers/194762/1 "2003-08-12T22:51:43Z")

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Is it possible to have a new social security number issued? Not a new card, but an actual new number?

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**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\
**Post date:** [August 12, 2003, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-numbers/194762/2 "2003-08-12T23:29:34Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> Generally, an individual is assigned only one Social Security number (SSN) which is used to record the individual’s earnings for future benefit purposes and to keep track of benefits paid under that number. However, under certain circumstances, SSA may assign an individual a new (different) SSN. When we assign a new number, the original number is not voided or deleted. For integrity reasons, we cross-refer in our records all the numbers assigned to the same individual.
> 
> SSA can assign new SSNs in the following situations, provided all of the documentation requirements are met:
> 
> · Sequential SSNs assigned to members of the same family  
> · Certain scrambled earnings situations  
> · Certain wrong number cases  
> · Religious or cultural objection to certain numbers/digits in the SSN  
> · Misuse by a third party of the number holder’s SSN and the number holder has been disadvantaged by that particular misuse  
> · Harassment, abuse or life endangerment situations (including domestic violence)
> 
> To apply for a new (different) SSN, you need to complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) which is available for download at [http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html](http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html). Or you can obtain Form SS-5 by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office. These services are free.
> 
> You will also need to submit evidence age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status. Form SS-5 explains what documents will satisfy these requirements. You will also need to submit evidence to support your need for a new number.
> 
> If you are age 18 or over, you must submit your request for a new SSN in person at your local Social Security office.

Source: [http://www.ssa.gov/](http://www.ssa.gov/)

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**Author:** ![Amberlei](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e56c9b/32.png) [@Amberlei](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amberlei)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2003, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-numbers/194762/3 "2003-08-13T01:41:04Z")

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Great! Thank you very much!