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YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY | Davenport, Iowa Office

By Pam Shaw
Social Security District Manager
Davenport Social Security Office

CELEBRATE YOUR INDEPENDENCE WITH SOCIAL SECURITY

Every July 4, we celebrate our nation’s independence.  For nearly 90 years, our programs have helped create financial independence for millions of hardworking people. We have useful online resources like the Social Security Statement (Statement) and our benefits estimator tool that helps people not yet receiving benefits. The Statement shows the benefits that you and your family may be eligible for and provides personalized fact sheets tailored to your age and earnings situation. The benefits estimator tool allows you to get estimates based on different ages. These online tools can help you better prepare for your retirement.

If you’re not receiving benefits:

You can get the most out of your online experience if you have a personal my Social Security account. You can:

• Request a replacement Social Security card.
• Get estimates for spouse’s benefits.
• Get your Statement instantly.
• Get proof that you do not receive benefits.
• Check your application status.

If you’re receiving benefits:

You can use your personal my Social Security account to:

• Request a replacement Social Security card.
• Get an instant benefit verification letter.
• Start or change your direct deposit. (Social Security beneficiaries only)
• Change your address. (Social Security beneficiaries only)
• Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S instantly for tax season.
• Opt out of mailed notices for those available online.

You can create your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Our blog at blog.ssa.gov features news and information about our programs and services. You can subscribe and get notified each time we post a new blog so you can stay informed. From the blog, you can also connect with us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

With so many services and helpful information available online, we are here for you when you need us. Learn more at www.ssa.gov.

QUESTION AND ANSWER

Question:

What are some of the documents Social Security will accept as proof of identity for a child?

Answer:

While you can use a birth certificate to prove age or citizenship, you cannot use it as proof of identity. Social Security needs evidence of the child’s existence after birth. An acceptable document must show your child’s name, identifying information, and, preferably, a recent photograph. Your child must be present unless the picture ID also shows your child’s biographical information (i.e., age, date of birth, and parents’ names). We generally can accept a non-photo identity document if it has enough information to identify the child (such as the child’s name and age, date of birth, and parents’ names). We prefer to see the child’s U.S. passport. If that document is not available, we may accept the child’s:

• Adoption decree.
• Doctor, clinic, or hospital record.
• Religious record (e.g., baptismal record).
• Daycare center or school record.
• School identification card.

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. You may also want to read the publication, Social Security Numbers for Children, available at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10023.pdf.