Based on feedback the Social Security office has received from many of their stakeholders, they have decided to delay the implementation of some changes to later in the year— however at the beginning of August 2014, they will no longer issue proof of Social Security numbers through printouts in their field offices.

According to Public Affairs Specialist Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay with the Social Security Administration in Honolulu, Hawai’i, individuals who need proof of their Social Security number and cannot find their card, will need to apply for a replacement card.

Yamamoto-Burigsay further explained that additionally, at the beginning of October 2014, their field offices will stop providing benefit verification letters, except in emergency situations. “Benefit verifications are available online, and can be obtained anytime by registering for a Social Security account located at: www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount, or requested through our national toll-free number: 1(800)772-1213.”

She told Samoa News that in order to meet the increasing demands for their service, they need to make changes to how they provide some services to their customers.

“To protect the integrity of the Social Security number and prevent fraud, we will discontinue providing Social Security number printouts effective August 1, 2014. If you need proof of your Social Security number and you do not have your Social Security card, you will need to request a replacement Social Security card by completing the Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) and providing the required documentation.

“Also, effective October 1, 2014, Social Security will stop providing benefit verification letters in our offices. You will still be able to get an instant letter online with a personal Social Security account or you may call us toll-free to request a letter by mail,” said Yamamoto-Burigsay.

She said they are also encouraging individuals to visit www.socialsecurity.gov to learn about the many convenient online services available to them.

“Your Social Security card is your legal proof of your Social Security number. If you need proof of your number, and you can’t find your card, you will need a replacement card. To get a replacement card, you must complete an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5), which you can find online at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. “You also will need documents proving your identity, age and citizenship or lawful immigration status.

In most cases, you can take, or mail, your completed application and original documents to any Social Security office. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/locator to find the Social Security office or Social Security Card Center that serves your area. After processing, we will return your documents to you,” she said.

Yamamoto-Burigsay also said If you need proof of Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits, you can get a benefit verification letter online instantly through a 'My Social Security' account.

To create an account, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. “If you are unable to go online, you can call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request your letter be mailed to you. You also can use your annual cost-of-living adjustment notice or SSA Form 1099 as proof of income from Social Security.”

“A wealth of information and online service options are available on the website at www.socialsecurity.gov. Or you an call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), and ask for helpful publications, such as; How To Create An Online Account (Publication No. 05-10540); Your Social Security Number And Card (Publication No. 05-10002); and What You Can Do Online (Publication No. 05-10121).”