POMS Reference

RM 10211: Alien Evidence for an SSN

BASIC (10-09)

SSA does not issue a replacement for an SSN card obtained for a nonwork purpose unless the alien provides a new (different) valid nonwork reason and supporting documentation per the criteria in RM 10211.600.

A. Correcting Numident data when a replacement card cannot be issued

If the alien does not provide evidence of work authorization or a valid nonwork reason, explain that we cannot issue a replacement card.

1. Alien provides documentation supporting the change

Although the FO cannot issue a replacement card, you may correct the Numident if the alien provides documentation supporting the change (e.g., a name change).

If the alien provides documentation supporting the change, process the replacement card application to update the Numident information but suppress the issuance of a card.

  • Answer “yes” to the "Suppress card issuance" question on the SSNAP Additional Information screen and record the nonwork reason documentation on the SSNAP Proof of Legal Alien Status screen.

  • Provide written notice, using Form SSA-L676, to explain that we cannot issue a replacement card because the applicant did not present appropriate authorization permitting him or her to work in the U.S. and has not provided evidence of a valid nonwork reason for an SSN.
    For information on providing written notice and a second review when the FO cannot assign an SSN or issue an SSN card, see RM 10215.110.

2. Alien does not provide documentation

If the alien:

  • does not provide documentation supporting the requested change, provide written notice using Form SSA-L676 to explain that we cannot issue a replacement card because he or she is not allowed to work in the U.S. and has not provided evidence of a valid nonwork reason for an SSN.
    For information on providing written notice and a second review when the FO cannot assign an SSN or issue an SSN card, see RM 10215.110.

  • does not know his or her SSN, you may provide the SSN verbally (based on a face-to-face contact) but only after the alien provides appropriate identification and establishes he or she is the numberholder. For additional information, see RM 10211.001, Who Must Submit Evidence of Lawful Alien status for an SSN Card; RM 10235.045, Applying Basic Verification Standards; and GN 03340.015, Requirements to Be Met by Individuals Requesting Access.

B. References

  • GN 03325.002, Disclosure of Social Security Numbers (SSNs)

  • GN 03340.000, Access to SSA Data – Disclosure

  • RM 10205.210, When an Applicant Requests a Receipt for Filing an Application for an SSN Card

  • RM 10215.110, Providing Written Notice When SSN or Card Cannot be Issued

  • RM 10225.005, Requests for Social Security Number (SSN) Printouts

  • GN 03325.025, Request for Numident Printouts