Don’t you hate it when you lose something that is important to you and regardless of how hard you search, the drawers that you turn upside down, the cupboards that you empty and the people that you ask, it simply does not want to show its face again!
Indeed, for some of us, doing things is a part of our everyday chaotic life, for others who take a more ‘organized’ approach to life, items may be lost on rare occasions. Whatever category you happen to fall into, we are sure that at some point or another in your life you have lost something you really needed!
Your birth certificate and social security card are two of the most important documents you likely have in your possession. That being said, if they are not currently in your possession you may be starting to panic a little, or a lot for that matter, especially if you have been searching for them for some time and simply cannot think of anywhere else they could possibly be.
Realizing that you have lost either your birth certificate or your social security number can cause a lot of stress, frustration and worry. There are numerous occasions in life when you will be asked to present one of these documents and a personal copy that you may have made some time ago simply is not going to swing it.
So what should you do if you have lost your birth certificate or your social security card? You will be glad to know that we are going to provide you with a simple and clear guide to getting a replacement of these very important documents in the quickest and most stress-free way.
What To Do If You Have Lost Your Social Security Card
If you have found that your social security card is lost you will need to apply for a replacement card. Thanks to a new feature on the SSA website you can now make this application online using your Social Security Account. However, to apply online you must meet several criteria. Other criteria may also apply, however, in general, they are as follows:
- You must be 18 years old or older, be a U.S citizen and have an address for mail which is in the United States (APO, FPO and DPO addresses are all included)
- You must not require a change to your social security card (for instance a name change on your card)
- You must have a driver’s license which is valid or an identification card (which has been issued by one of the States outlined on the website.)
If you meet the above criteria then it is very possible that you will be able to apply for your replacement security card using the online system that we have already outlined. This will involve providing the required documents which show your proof of identity, completing the application form and sending your application to your local Social Security office.
Remember, your social security card is a vital document. You need your card if you are applying for a job or if you qualify for benefits and so forth. It is always important to keep your card in a safe place and check regularly that you have not lost it or misplaced it. In the event that your card has been lost, you will need to take immediate action, as outlined above so that you can get a replacement card without delay.
How To Get A Replacement Birth Certificate
Losing your birth certificate can certainly feel like a serious issue. However, by making contact with the right organization you should be able to resolve the matter within a short period of time. Your birth certificate is considered one of your ‘vital records’. This means that you will need to find the Vital Records office in the state in which you were born.
Once you have located the appropriate office you will need to make contact with them and ask whether it is possible to obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate. In some states, you will be able to do this without providing any form of identification or further requirements. However, in other states they may ask for your mother or father whose name is stated on the birth certificate to provide a proof of ID in the form of a photo ID.
In the event that the Vital Records office asks for you to provide a government-issued photo ID so that you can obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate, you will need to follow these instructions before you can receive your new birth certificate copy.
Indeed, we know that losing a birth certificate or a social security card can be very stressful and may initially lead to a whole lot of panic and worry. Both of these document are considered important and play a role in many aspects of life, even when it comes to getting a job, getting paid, getting married and we could say that the list goes on and on.
It is certainly recommended that you keep a designated file in your home for storing your vital documents and that this file is kept in a safe location within your home. Often the risk of loss arises when you need to take one of your vital documents out of your safe place for use. In such cases, we recommend that you return it to the file as soon as possible and resist the temptation to procrastinate as this only heightens the risk of loss.
As well as the loss of a birth certificate or social security card, there are other important documents which can also end up lost and cause issues. For example, you may lose your driver’s license, your marriage certificate or your passport. In such cases, you can find information online on the USA Government’s official website for the replacement of vital documents. Here you will be able to find clear guidelines on how to replace lost documents in a safe way.
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