Advertising Disclosure

Social Security will launch a digital card this summer

It’s meant to improve accessibility and security

Updated:

Avatar photo
By:
Avatar photo

Mark Huffman
Reporter

Mark Huffman has covered consumer issues since 2004, with a special focus on protecting and empowering older adults. A former news correspondent for the Associated Press Radio Network, Westwood One, and ConsumerAffairs, Mark brings decades of journalistic experience to RetirementLiving.com. He is passionate about giving consumers a voice and helping them make informed decisions. Mark has also created educational content, including Senior Scam Alert, a video resource designed to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud. He holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky and lives with his family in Richmond, Virginia.

Key Insights

  • SSA introduces a digital version of the Social Security number (SSN) card to improve accessibility and reduce reliance on physical documents.
  • Users can now securely view their SSNs via the My Social Security portal, streamlining access and enhancing security.
  • The new feature, launching early this summer, reflects SSA’s mission to modernize services while safeguarding personal data.

It never made a lot of sense that your Social Security card, meant to last the rest of your life, was made of simple cardboard. So the Social Security Administration (SSA) is embracing the future, announcing the launch of a secure digital feature that allows individuals to access their Social Security number (SSN) online through the my Social Security portal. 

This new service, rolling out early this summer, is set to significantly enhance convenience and security for millions of Americans, SSA said in its announcement.

The SSA’s latest innovation enables My Social Security account holders to digitally view their SSN on demand, offering a safe and reliable alternative to the traditional physical SSN card. This development may be especially beneficial for those who have forgotten their SSN or misplaced their physical card, eliminating the need for in-person visits or waiting for replacement cards to arrive by mail.

According to Acting SSA Commissioner Lee Dudek, the enhancement reflects the agency’s commitment to “providing better service to the public while ensuring that their personal information remains secure. We believe that this modern approach will meet the needs of our constituents in a more efficient manner.”

Enhanced accessibility

The digital SSN feature is designed with the twin goals of improving user experience and safeguarding Personal Identifiable Information (PII). Users will be able to display their SSNs securely on their mobile devices or computers whenever needed for non-Social Security matters, such as employment verification or financial applications.

By digitizing access to SSNs, the SSA also aims to reduce the risks associated with lost or stolen physical cards, which remain a significant source of identity theft.

The SSA said it encourages all eligible individuals to take advantage of this digital upgrade by creating or logging into their My Social Security accounts. Instructions and additional details are available on the SSA’s website.

I’d like to explore senior living options in:

My contact information is:

By clicking the button “Start my search”, I give consent for Retirement Living and/or the BRAND I am matched with to email, text or call me with additional information or marketing offers, at the number I have provided, through automated and/or pre-recorded calls and texts, and that my consent is not a condition to purchase. I also agree by electronic record to the Retirement Living Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Advertising Disclosure

We may earn money from our partners when you click a link, complete a form or call a phone number.

We believe everyone deserves to make thoughtful, informed purchase decisions. As a result, we provide our buyers guides and local guides free for consumers. We may receive compensation from our partners. However, Retirement Living independently researches companies, and the compensation we receive does not affect the analysis of our staff. Retirement Living will not include companies on our guides that do not meet our quality standards. The compensation we receive from our partners may impact how and where companies appear on our site, including the order in which they appear. As an Amazon Associate Retirement Living earns from qualifying purchases.

Retirement Living independently researches companies, and we use editorial discretion to award companies with special recognition (i.e. Great Value) based on our staff’s judgment. We do this to help you identify companies that will meet your specific buying needs, and we do not receive compensation for these designations.