Even though COVID restrictions are easing across the country, Social Security offices remain closed except for one-on-one appointments only. 

Jack Myers with Social Security indicates one of the most popular reasons for walk-in visitors is a replacement Social Security card. He is reminding the public those replacements can be applied for online or by mail.

Myers believes applying for your replacement Social Security card online will be the easiest way to do that. He explains you'll need to create a 'My Social Security account, but other than that, for most adults it's an easy, seamless process.

If you are getting a replacement Social Security card by mail, you will need to submit an SS-5 form which is available online. Myers explains applying by mail does require proof of identity, name change if applicable, and proof of citizenship.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security needs to see proof of your immigration status.  Those documents shouldn’t be mailed, so you should call your local Social Security office about scheduling a critical-need in-person appointment.  

Social Security cannot accept photocopies of the documents you submit with your application. If you have a driver’s license, non-driver ID card, or U.S. passport. Those are considered “primary” proofs, and you would normally have to submit one of those.  

Information on the types of documents that are acceptable as a secondary proof is available at www.ssa.gov/coronavirus.

Myers stresses a replacement Social Security card is free so if you are on a website that wants to charge you, you are not at the Social Security website.