- Details
- Written by John Johnston John Johnston
The Social Security Administration introduced the expansion of online services for residents of Pennsylvania available through its "my Social Security" portal.
Carolyn W. Colvin, acting commissioner of Social Security, announced that residents of Pennsylvania can use the portal for many replacement Social Security number card requests.
This will allow people to replace their SSN card from the comfort of their home or office, without the need to travel to a Social Security office.
The agency plans to conduct a gradual rollout of this service; Pennsylvania is one of eight states, plus the District of Columbia, where this option is initially available. Throughout 2016, the agency will continue to expand the service option to other states and plans to offer this to half of the nation’s population by the end of the year.
This service will mean shorter wait times for the public in the more than 1,200 Social Security offices across the country and allows staff more time to work with customers who have extensive service needs. U.S. citizens age 18 or older and who are residents of Pennsylvania can obtain a replacement SSN card online by creating a "my Social Security" account. They must also have a U.S. domestic mailing address, not require a change to their record (such as a name change), and have a valid driver’s license.
"my Social Security" is a secure online hub for doing business with Social Security, and more than 25 million people have created an account. In addition to Pennsylvania residents replacing their SSN card through the portal, current Social Security beneficiaries can manage their account—change an address, adjust direct deposit, obtain a benefit verification letter, or request a replacement SSA-1099.
Medicare beneficiaries can request a replacement Medicare card without waiting for a replacement form in the mail. Account holders still in the workforce can verify their earnings and obtain estimates of future benefits.
For more information about this online service, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.
John Johnston is a Social Security public affairs specialist.