Nguyen did not respond to a Dayton Daily News inquiry about how much SSA would save by making these changes.
“This service change will strengthen the integrity of the SSN by ensuring that we only provide official verification of the Social Security Number, which is the Social Security Card,” Nguyen said. “The Social Security Card contains security features that the paper printout does not have. The Social Security Card is one of the most secure paper documents in government.”
Nguyen declined to say when this change would happen, only stating that it would take place this year.
The Social Security printout is not be confused with the social security card, which is the official proof of a person’s social security number.
“After a person visits a local (Social Security) office and provides proper identification documents, our office provided a Social Security Number Printout (upon request), which is a paper printout that displays a person’s name and Social Security Number,” Nguyen said.
A benefit verification letter is an official letter that includes proof of a person’s social security or supplemental security income benefits that the SSA would send out via mail upon request.
Now, individuals who are 18-years-old or older will have to go to SSA’s website www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to get their verification letters. However, Nguyen said if an individual does not have online access, they will have to call 1-800-772-1213 to have one mailed to them.
“A person also can use their annual cost-of-living adjustment notice or SSA Form 1099 as proof of income from Social Security,” Nguyen said.
Those needing to obtain a Social Security Card can visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/.
Those who visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount must be able to provide information that matches information already on file with the Social Security office in order to pass this verification.
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