After first realizing you lost your social security card, you might have flipped out. It’s typically considered an important document, and is to be sure. First and foremost, you don’t want your SS number falling into the wrong hands. Relax, you’re going to be just fine. As for reporting your card lost or stolen, you’re going to do so by filling out an application for a replacement card.

Have you lost any other important documents? Many people who have lost a social security card have done so because they kept it in their wallet. Hopefully, you have not lost your wallet, license, credit cards, bank card and any other belongings. If you have, there are steps you can take to take care of those situations quite quickly as well. Now, back to the issue at hand, which is the fact that you have lost your social security card.

You might be thinking that your next step is to make a trip to the SSA office. It could be, but there might be an easier way. Ultimately, it all depends on whether or not you live in a state that is on the list provided by the SSA website. If your state is on that list, you are eligible to apply online for a replacement SS card.

Of course, you are going to want to know first if you are eligible. Yet I implore you to also simply think about getting a My Social Security account in general. If you do that, you’re going to have access to all kinds of forms and information. Much of your business related to the SSA office can typically be handled online. That’s not always the case, but you will now have online access if you register for an account.

You’re going to need one if you plan to apply for a replacement SS card application. It’s no biggie though as the registration process is painless and only takes a few minutes. In fact, it’s much more convenient than making your way up to the SSA office. And next time you have any business with the SSA office, you would have to do the same thing again, save for the fact that you are about to register for an account.

The My Social Security account registration process is your first step. Then you are going to click on the replacement SS card link, and you are going to find the list of states. If your state is on the list, you should be able to forget about planning a visit to the local SSA office in your city. That would certainly be nice, right?

If you see your state, you are ready to proceed. You’re going to be filling out your personal information, and you’re going to need your license or ID. Relax, you’re not going to be uploading any digital documents or taking pictures. It’s a simple online application, and the SSA just wants you to verify some information.

The process is completely different than what you have to deal with when you visit the SSA. When you stop by that office, you’re going to prove your identity and citizenship by showing them documents. You’re certainly thankful for the security measures that the SSA has in place, but online, you get to do things a different way.

You still have to verify your identity and citizenship, but the process is much easier. You’re going to be done in minutes, and you will have never left your seat. In fact, you can handle the application on your mobile device. Isn’t it great that you’re going to have your new SS card on the way in a matter of minutes?

Granted, that SSA doesn’t just process your application and ship your card immediately. They are still going to take the normal amount of time to handle your application, but you get to take the easy road. That being said, you can expect your replacement SS card to be showing up in the mail sooner than later, specifically in about 10-14 business days.

While business days is the language of the SSA, two weeks in general is a decent time frame in terms of expectations. If it takes a little longer than two weeks, you’re going to know it will be showing up real soon. That should give you peace of mind, and you will then be able to get down to other business.

What’s great is you have an online method for getting a replacement SS card mailed to you, and it’s free. For sure, it’s free to visit the SSA office, but shouldn’t they pay you to do that? In all seriousness, that’s just a joke. But the fact of the matter is this online application is going to be quite convenient for you to fill out indeed.

You might as well sign up for that My Social Security account. After you do that, don’t forget to check to make sure your state is on the list. If for some reason it isn’t on the list, the SSA does say that they are regularly looking at adding states. That doesn’t mean you want to wait, or can wait for that matter, to apply.

If you see that your state isn’t on the list, well, a trip to the SSA office in your city isn’t going to be that bad. There are times when you’ve got to do what you got to do. The thing about it is, however, that many people are realizing that they can skip that office visit. If you happen to be one of those people, it should put a smile on your face.

Either way, you’re going to be getting your SS card in the mail soon. It’s great to be able to take care of the process the easy way, and I hope that you are able to do so. The online replacement card application is quick and easy. Get ready to press that easy button with the Social Security Administration.