Is it possible to get a new Social Security number?

The April 2024 leak of files purportedly stolen from National Public Data, a company that amasses information for use in background checks, may have exposed some 2.9 billion records of Americans’ personal data, including hundreds of millions of Social Security numbers. If your number was compromised, will the Social Security Administration (SSA) give you a new one?

Generally speaking, no. The SSA will not replace your Social Security number simply because it has been exposed in a data breach. Nor can you change your number because your Social Security card has been lost or stolen, or to avoid bankruptcy or legitimate debts.

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It is possible to get a new number, but only in highly specific circumstances. For example, Social Security can assign you a new number if you can show that you are in danger due to domestic violence or other abuse or are experiencing significant, ongoing financial harm due to identity theft. But the process is not easy.

Domestic abuse

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Victims of domestic violence, abuse or harassment must complete a statement explaining their need for a new number and provide documentation of the abuse, such as:

• Police reports.
• Medical records of injuries.
• Restraining orders.
• Letters from shelters, counselors, friends or family members with direct knowledge of the situation.

Social Security can help you gather evidence.

If you are changing your name, do that first; Social Security will need to see court approval of the change. If you are also seeking new Social Security numbers for your children, bring proof of custody. You’ll find more information in the SSA pamphlet “New Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims.”

Identity theft

In cases of identity theft, you will need to demonstrate that:

• Your number is being used for fraudulent transactions.
• You are suffering ongoing harm because of it (a lowered credit rating, for instance, or a loan denial).
• You have exhausted all other means at your disposal to solve the problem.

The SSA publication “Identify Theft and Your Social Security Number” has more details, as well as information on how to protect against identify theft and report and resolve problems.

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Other situations

The only other reasons Social Security will consider assigning a new number are:

• Sequential numbers assigned to members of your family are causing confusion.
• Another person was assigned or is using your number.
• You have religious or cultural objections to certain numbers or digits in your original number. Social Security requires written documentation supporting the objection from a religious group with which you have an established affiliation.

Whatever your reason for needing a new number, you can only apply for one in person at your local Social Security office. The SSA recommends calling in advance and scheduling an appointment to avoid long waits. You will need to show proof of your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status — Social Security has checklists of acceptable documents.

• Changing your number does not affect the information in your Social Security file. The old and new numbers are cross-referenced to make sure your earnings history and other data is not lost.
• Getting a new number can significantly complicate other areas of your life, such as getting a passport, receiving federal or state financial assistance, or maintaining your credit history. A less drastic option may be to put a block on your number, which prevents anyone, including yourself, from accessing your Social Security information online or by phone. To implement a block on your number, or to lift one, contact Social Security.

Andy Markowitz is a writer and editor for AARP, covering Social Security and fraud. He is a former editor of The Prague Post and Baltimore City Paper.

Tracy Thompson is a journalist and editor who has worked for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Washington Post. She is the author of three books and lives with her family in the Washington, D.C., suburbs.

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