^[1]Working within File Box 3 ^[2] and the first category of Social Security Documents ^[3], I have our social security annual statement, reviewed it ^[4], and corrected it ^[5].

If you are still in the correcting phase, then keep going. You are using time wisely staying proactive. 🙂

Social Security Identification Card

In addition to our annual statements, Paul and I have our Social Security identification cards along with each of our children’s cards within this first file opening.

If you have misplaced yours, the Social Security Administration indicates:

You can replace your Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, you may not need to get a replacement card. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important.

Though I understand their point, I want my file complete, so I replaced Paul’s when I could not find his original. Of course, after I had him request a replacement, we found the original. Now, we have two cards for Paul in our file. 😉

With the Social Security Administration posting instructions online ^[6], one can get, replace, or change an identification card by following the sequence:

1. Go to the Social Security Administration website ^[6].

2. Make the following 3 selections:

• Adult or child

• Original, replacement, or corrected

NOTE: Per the Social Security Administration website ^[6], You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits.  

• U.S.-born citizen, foreign-born U.S. citizen, or non-citizen

3. Follow the 3-step process

• Step One: Gather your original documents (If following my system, you have them in Box 1, personal documents ^[7])

• Step Two: Fill out and print the Social Security form

• Step Three: Take or mail the documents to the Social Security Administration

Tracy’s Tip: I am really funny about giving up my original documents. For me, I would take them to my local Social Security Administration’s office ^[8].

However, in using time wisely, you might consider mailing them. Just send the documents registered mail to get verification of receipt.

Also, do not mail them from your home. Protect your documents by mailing them at the post office or placed in a blue U.S. Postal Service mailbox. You don’t want your personal documents getting into the wrong hands.

As you organize your important documents, schedule the time to get, replace, or correct your Social Security identification card.

Weekly Project: Find and file your Social Security identification card.

The time to get it is before you need it. In using time wisely, locate your card or request one to place in your file. Happy organizing!

Question: Do you carry your Social Security card in your wallet?