How to get a Social Security card: what to say at the office
You lost your Social Security card, so you go to the Social Security office. A clerk helps you at the window. This is what to say, in simple English. Say hello and say what you need. Show your photo ID. Fill out the short form with your name and date of birth. Check that your name and your address are right. Hear how long the new card takes, then ask one last question and say thank you.
If your name changed, you can also practice what to say about your marriage certificate and your new name, and how to ask if your employer needs to know. If your new card has a spelling mistake, you can practice how to explain the problem in a polite way, show your papers, and ask what to do if the card does not come. Listen to each line, then practice with Ms. Okafor in the game. Every case is a little different, so check ssa.gov before you go.
Useful phrases
Hello, I lost my Social Security card, and I need a new one.
Say hello, then say what happened and what you need: "I lost my Social Security card, and I need a new one." "Lost" means you cannot find it.
Yes, here is my passport.
A photo ID has your picture and your name on it, like a passport or a driver's license. Say "here is my" and hand it over.
Sure, I will fill out the form right now.
"Fill out" means write your answers on a form. Say "Sure, I will fill out the form right now" and write your name and your birthday.
Yes, it is the same name as on my old card.
Answer the question first, then say it again in full: "Yes, it is the same name as on my old card." If your name is different now, say so.
Great, two weeks is fine for me.
"Free" means you do not pay. Show that you are happy to wait: "Great, two weeks is fine for me."
I checked, and my home address is right.
"Mail" means send by post. Say that you looked at it and what you found: "I checked, and my home address is right."
Yes, will my Social Security number be the same?
Ask your question with "will": "Will my Social Security number be the same?" Start with "Yes" so the clerk knows that you have one more thing to ask.
Thank you very much for your help.
End with a clear thank you: "Thank you very much for your help." It is polite and short.
Good morning, I got married, and I need a new card with my new name.
Say hello, then say what changed and what you need: "I got married, and I need a new card with my new name." Your "new name" is the name you use now.
Yes, I brought my marriage certificate, and it is the original.
The office needs a paper that proves your name change, like a marriage certificate. It must be the original or a certified copy, not a photo or a plain copy. Say: "I brought my marriage certificate, and it is the original."
Of course, here is my driver's license, and I can show my passport too.
Hand over your photo ID and offer another one if the clerk needs it: "Here is my driver's license, and I can show my passport too."
Sure, I will print my new name and sign at the bottom of the form.
"Print" means write in clear letters. "Sign" means write your name the way you always do. Say: "Sure, I will print my new name and sign at the bottom of the form."
That is good news, and I will watch my mailbox for it.
"No fee" means you do not pay. Show that you understand and say what you will do: "That is good news, and I will watch my mailbox for it."
I understand, and I will keep it in a drawer at home.
Your card has a private number on it, so keep it safe at home. Say that you understand and where it goes: "I will keep it in a drawer at home."
Yes, do I need to tell my employer about my new name?
Ask your question with "do I need to": "Do I need to tell my employer about my new name?" Start with "Yes" so the clerk knows that you have one more thing to ask.
Thank you for all your help. I will tell my employer today.
End with a clear thank you and one thing you will do: "Thank you for all your help. I will tell my employer today."
Hello, I think my new card has a mistake, because my last name is spelled wrong.
Say hello, then say the problem in a polite way: "I think my new card has a mistake." "I think" is softer than "you made a mistake." Then say what is wrong.
Yes, I brought the card, and I brought my driver's license.
Give the clerk both things she asks for: "I brought the card, and I brought my driver's license." Say "I brought" when you hand something over.
Of course, and I will check every letter of my name before I sign.
Say yes in a polite way and show that you will be careful: "Of course, and I will check every letter of my name before I sign."
My passport shows the right spelling, and I brought it with me.
Name the paper and say where it is: "My passport shows the right spelling, and I brought it with me." A passport is a good paper because it has your full name.
That works for me, and I will wait for the new card at home.
Show that you understand and say what you will do: "That works for me, and I will wait for the new card." "Corrected" means fixed.
I understand, and I will not give my number to anyone who calls me.
Show that you understand the warning and say what you will do: "I will not give my number to anyone who calls me." Your Social Security number is private.
Yes, what can I do if the new card does not come on time?
Ask your question with "what can I do if": "What can I do if the new card does not come on time?" Start with "Yes" so the clerk knows that you have one more question.
Thank you for your help, and I will call if the card does not come.
End with a clear thank you and one thing you will do: "Thank you for your help, and I will call if the card does not come."
Level 1 (A2): Get a new card
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Welcome to the Social Security office, and how can I help you?”
Good answer: “Hello, I lost my Social Security card, and I need a new one.”
Why: Say hello, then say what happened and what you need: "I lost my Social Security card, and I need a new one." "Lost" means you cannot find it.
Avoid: “I lost my card and I am in a hurry, so give me a new one now.” (too rude) · “I need some help with a card.” (too vague)
“Do you have a photo ID with you?”
Good answer: “Yes, here is my passport.”
Why: A photo ID has your picture and your name on it, like a passport or a driver's license. Say "here is my" and hand it over.
Avoid: “Why do you need my ID? That is my private information.” (too rude) · “I think I have something in my bag, maybe.” (too vague)
“Please fill out this form with your name and your date of birth.”
Good answer: “Sure, I will fill out the form right now.”
Why: "Fill out" means write your answers on a form. Say "Sure, I will fill out the form right now" and write your name and your birthday.
Avoid: “Another form? This is so much work, and I am tired.” (too rude) · “Maybe later, I am not sure.” (too vague)
“Is your name the same as on your old card?”
Good answer: “Yes, it is the same name as on my old card.”
Why: Answer the question first, then say it again in full: "Yes, it is the same name as on my old card." If your name is different now, say so.
Avoid: “Yes, it is the same.” (too short) · “I think so, but I do not remember it well, because it was a long time ago.” (too vague)
“The new card is free, and it takes about two weeks.”
Good answer: “Great, two weeks is fine for me.”
Why: "Free" means you do not pay. Show that you are happy to wait: "Great, two weeks is fine for me."
Avoid: “Two weeks? That is too long for me, I need it sooner.” (too negative) · “Cool, whatever, I guess, if you say so.” (too casual)
“We will mail the card to your home address, so please check that it is right.”
Good answer: “I checked, and my home address is right.”
Why: "Mail" means send by post. Say that you looked at it and what you found: "I checked, and my home address is right."
Avoid: “I think the address is fine, maybe.” (too vague) · “Yes, it is fine.” (too short)
“Is there anything else I can help you with?”
Good answer: “Yes, will my Social Security number be the same?”
Why: Ask your question with "will": "Will my Social Security number be the same?" Start with "Yes" so the clerk knows that you have one more thing to ask.
Avoid: “No.” (too short) · “No, nothing else. I just want to go home now.” (too negative)
“Yes, your number stays the same. Have a good day.”
Good answer: “Thank you very much for your help.”
Why: End with a clear thank you: "Thank you very much for your help." It is polite and short.
Avoid: “Finally! This took a very long time to finish.” (too rude) · “Cool, thanks. Maybe see you around, I guess.” (too casual)
Level 2 (B1): Papers and questions
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Good morning. How can I help you today?”
Good answer: “Good morning, I got married, and I need a new card with my new name.”
Why: Say hello, then say what changed and what you need: "I got married, and I need a new card with my new name." Your "new name" is the name you use now.
Avoid: “I changed my name, so please fix my card now, and please be fast.” (too rude) · “I need some help with my name and my card.” (too vague)
“Do you have a paper that shows your name change?”
Good answer: “Yes, I brought my marriage certificate, and it is the original.”
Why: The office needs a paper that proves your name change, like a marriage certificate. It must be the original or a certified copy, not a photo or a plain copy. Say: "I brought my marriage certificate, and it is the original."
Avoid: “Yes, I have a photo of my certificate on my phone.” (gives the wrong idea) · “Yes, I have a paper about my marriage, and I think it is the right one.” (needs more detail)
“Could I see a photo ID, like a driver's license?”
Good answer: “Of course, here is my driver's license, and I can show my passport too.”
Why: Hand over your photo ID and offer another one if the clerk needs it: "Here is my driver's license, and I can show my passport too."
Avoid: “Yes, here is my ID, and I think I also have another paper somewhere in my bag.” (too vague) · “Yes, here it is.” (too short)
“Please fill out this form, and sign it at the bottom.”
Good answer: “Sure, I will print my new name and sign at the bottom of the form.”
Why: "Print" means write in clear letters. "Sign" means write your name the way you always do. Say: "Sure, I will print my new name and sign at the bottom of the form."
Avoid: “Why do I have to fill out a form? This takes too long, and I am tired.” (too rude) · “I will do the form, but I am not sure where to sign.” (too vague)
“There is no fee for the card, and it comes in the mail in about two weeks.”
Good answer: “That is good news, and I will watch my mailbox for it.”
Why: "No fee" means you do not pay. Show that you understand and say what you will do: "That is good news, and I will watch my mailbox for it."
Avoid: “Two weeks is a long time, and I need it for my job right now.” (too negative) · “Cool, no problem, I will wait for it, I guess.” (too casual)
“Please keep your card at home in a safe place, and do not carry it with you.”
Good answer: “I understand, and I will keep it in a drawer at home.”
Why: Your card has a private number on it, so keep it safe at home. Say that you understand and where it goes: "I will keep it in a drawer at home."
Avoid: “I will carry it in my wallet every day, so I always have it.” (gives the wrong idea) · “OK, I will.” (too short)
“Do you have any questions before you go?”
Good answer: “Yes, do I need to tell my employer about my new name?”
Why: Ask your question with "do I need to": "Do I need to tell my employer about my new name?" Start with "Yes" so the clerk knows that you have one more thing to ask.
Avoid: “No, I do not have any questions today, and I am ready to go.” (too vague) · “No questions, but I hope my new card is fine, and I hope it comes soon.” (too negative)
“Please tell your employer, so your pay records show your new name. Have a good day.”
Good answer: “Thank you for all your help. I will tell my employer today.”
Why: End with a clear thank you and one thing you will do: "Thank you for all your help. I will tell my employer today."
Avoid: “Good, I am glad this is over. I need to go now, and I am tired.” (too rude) · “Cool, thanks. I will tell them sometime, I guess, if I remember.” (too casual)
Level 3 (B2): Fix a problem with your card
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Welcome back. How can I help you today?”
Good answer: “Hello, I think my new card has a mistake, because my last name is spelled wrong.”
Why: Say hello, then say the problem in a polite way: "I think my new card has a mistake." "I think" is softer than "you made a mistake." Then say what is wrong.
Avoid: “Your office made a mistake on my card, and you need to fix it right now.” (too rude) · “There is a problem with my card.” (too vague)
“May I see the card and your photo ID, please?”
Good answer: “Yes, I brought the card, and I brought my driver's license.”
Why: Give the clerk both things she asks for: "I brought the card, and I brought my driver's license." Say "I brought" when you hand something over.
Avoid: “Yes, here is my ID, but I left the card at home.” (gives the wrong idea) · “Yes, here is something, and I think the card is in my bag somewhere, maybe.” (too vague)
“I see the mistake. Please fill out this short form, and we will correct the spelling.”
Good answer: “Of course, and I will check every letter of my name before I sign.”
Why: Say yes in a polite way and show that you will be careful: "Of course, and I will check every letter of my name before I sign."
Avoid: “Why do I need a form? You made the mistake, so you should fix it yourself.” (too rude) · “OK, I will do it.” (too vague)
“Do you have a paper that shows the right spelling of your name?”
Good answer: “My passport shows the right spelling, and I brought it with me.”
Why: Name the paper and say where it is: "My passport shows the right spelling, and I brought it with me." A passport is a good paper because it has your full name.
Avoid: “No, but my name is spelled the right way on my phone.” (gives the wrong idea) · “Yes, I think I have one somewhere, but I am not sure where it is now.” (too vague)
“No problem, we will mail you a corrected card, and you should get it in about two weeks.”
Good answer: “That works for me, and I will wait for the new card at home.”
Why: Show that you understand and say what you will do: "That works for me, and I will wait for the new card." "Corrected" means fixed.
Avoid: “Two weeks again? I already waited for this wrong card, and I need it soon.” (too negative) · “Cool, I guess, whatever you say about the card.” (too casual)
“One more thing. Please be careful, because we never ask for your number by phone or by text message.”
Good answer: “I understand, and I will not give my number to anyone who calls me.”
Why: Show that you understand the warning and say what you will do: "I will not give my number to anyone who calls me." Your Social Security number is private.
Avoid: “I will give my number to anyone who calls and says that they work here.” (gives the wrong idea) · “OK, I know.” (too short)
“Is there anything else you would like to ask?”
Good answer: “Yes, what can I do if the new card does not come on time?”
Why: Ask your question with "what can I do if": "What can I do if the new card does not come on time?" Start with "Yes" so the clerk knows that you have one more question.
Avoid: “I think I have one question, but I do not remember what it was, sorry.” (too vague) · “No, but I hope the new card is right this time, because the first one was wrong.” (too negative)
“Please call our toll-free number, or visit ssa.gov for help. Have a good day.”
Good answer: “Thank you for your help, and I will call if the card does not come.”
Why: End with a clear thank you and one thing you will do: "Thank you for your help, and I will call if the card does not come."
Avoid: “Finally! I thought this would take all day long, and I am very tired now.” (too rude) · “Cool, thanks. I will call sometime, I guess, if I remember to do it.” (too casual)
Questions and answers
How do you get a Social Security card?
Go to your local Social Security office with a photo ID, or start online at ssa.gov. You fill out a short form with your name and date of birth. A new or a replacement card is free, and it comes in the mail in about two weeks. This game teaches the words for the office with Ms. Okafor: say what you need, show your ID, fill out the form, and check your address.
What do you say when you need a Social Security card?
Say hello, then say what happened: "Hello, I lost my Social Security card, and I need a new one." Then answer short questions. Show your ID and say: "Yes, here is my passport."
What do I need to get a Social Security card?
You need a form and papers that show who you are. A US citizen usually shows a driver's license, a state ID or a passport. People from other countries also show their immigration papers. Check ssa.gov before you go, because the rules depend on your case.
Is a replacement Social Security card free?
Yes. The Social Security Administration does not charge for a new or a replacement card. Be careful with websites that ask you to pay: the real government site is ssa.gov. In the game, Ms. Okafor says: "The new card is free, and it takes about two weeks."
Will my Social Security number change?
No. A replacement card has the same number as your old card. In the game you ask: "Will my Social Security number be the same?" and Ms. Okafor answers: "Yes, your number stays the same. Have a good day."
What does "fill out" mean?
"Fill out" means write your answers on a form: your name, your date of birth and your address. In the game you say: "Sure, I will fill out the form right now."
How long does a Social Security card take?
The Social Security Administration says the card comes in the mail in 5 to 10 business days after it finishes your request, so plan for about two weeks. In the game Ms. Okafor says: "The new card is free, and it takes about two weeks." You can answer: "Great, two weeks is fine for me."
Why does the office ask me to check my address?
The card is sent to your home address. If the address is wrong, the card goes to the wrong place. In the game you say: "I checked, and my home address is right."
How do I change my name on my Social Security card?
Go to a Social Security office, or send your papers by mail, with a form, a paper that proves your name change and a photo ID. The card is free, and the new card comes in the mail. In the game, Ms. Okafor asks: "Do you have a paper that shows your name change?" and you answer: "Yes, I brought my marriage certificate, and it is the original."
What paper do I need to change my name?
You need a paper that shows your name change, like a marriage certificate, a divorce paper or a court order. Check ssa.gov for the papers that fit your case.
Can I use a photocopy of my marriage certificate?
No. The Social Security office needs the original paper or a copy that the office that made it has certified. A photo on your phone or a plain copy is not enough.
Is there a fee to change my name on my Social Security card?
No. A new card with a new name is free. The government site is ssa.gov, so be careful with other websites that ask you to pay.
Should I carry my Social Security card?
No. Keep your card at home in a safe place, because it has a private number on it. In the game Ms. Okafor says: "Please keep your card at home in a safe place, and do not carry it with you."
Do I need to tell my employer about my new name?
Yes, tell your employer, so your pay records show your new name. In the game you ask: "Do I need to tell my employer about my new name?" and Ms. Okafor answers: "Please tell your employer, so your pay records show your new name. Have a good day."
How long does a Social Security card take after a name change?
The Social Security Administration says the card comes in the mail in 5 to 10 business days after it finishes your request, so plan for about two weeks. In the game Ms. Okafor says: "There is no fee for the card, and it comes in the mail in about two weeks."
What does "print" mean on a form?
"Print" means write your name in clear letters, not in fast writing. "Sign" means write your name the way you always do. In the game you say: "Sure, I will print my new name and sign at the bottom of the form."
What do you say when your Social Security card has a mistake?
Say hello, then tell the clerk in a polite way: "Hello, I think my new card has a mistake, because my last name is spelled wrong." "I think" is softer than "you made a mistake". Then show the card and your photo ID.
How do I fix a spelling mistake on my Social Security card?
Take the card, a photo ID and a paper that shows the right spelling, like a passport, to a Social Security office. You fill out a short form, and the office sends a corrected card in the mail. Check ssa.gov for the papers that fit your case.
What paper shows the right spelling of my name?
A passport is a good paper, because it has your full name. A birth certificate or a marriage certificate can also work, if it is the original or a certified copy. In the game Ms. Okafor asks: "Do you have a paper that shows the right spelling of your name?" and you answer: "My passport shows the right spelling, and I brought it with me."
Is it free to correct a Social Security card?
Yes. The Social Security Administration does not charge for a new or a corrected card. Only ssa.gov is the real government site, so be careful with other websites that ask you to pay.
Should I give my Social Security number to a person who calls me?
No. The Social Security Administration does not ask for your number by phone or by text message to fix a card. In the game Ms. Okafor says: "One more thing. Please be careful, because we never ask for your number by phone or by text message."
What can I do if my new Social Security card does not come?
Wait about two weeks, then call the Social Security Administration on its toll-free number or visit ssa.gov. In the game you ask: "What can I do if the new card does not come on time?" and Ms. Okafor answers: "Please call our toll-free number, or visit ssa.gov for help. Have a good day."
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Play Say It Right: all 26 real-life situations.
This game teaches English words and phrases for the Social Security office. The papers you need depend on your case, so check ssa.gov or call the Social Security Administration before you go. Official information: Social Security Administration: Replace your Social Security card.