Security and Your Social Security Card
by: Alaska Legal Services Corporation
Abusers have many ways that they use to follow, harass, stalk, and abuse their victims. Often, these behaviors become more frequent after a victim leaves the abuser. Even though the victim has ended the relationship and moved on, the abuser may continue to stalk or harass the victim. One way that abusers do this is by using the victim's social security number to find the victim. If you are a victim whose abuser continues to stalk or harass you, even after you have moved or made other efforts to evade the abuser, changing your social security number may be appropriate. However, you must consider several issues:
Getting a new social security number does not guarantee that the abuser won't find you. Changing your social security number will only be effective if you also have a detailed safety plan, with provisions for evading the abuser as well as how to protect yourself. Also, you may want to change your name. Even with a safety plan, the abuser could still find you. Your new number will be disclosed to federal agencies, such as the IRS and Department of Health and Human Services. Third parties, such as credit bureaus, can often cross-reference the new number against the old number, which could reveal you to the abuser.
Changing your social security number is a life-altering decision. Finding a new job could be difficult, as in many cases your prior work history would be lost when you started using the new number. Qualifying for and receiving public benefits, such as ATAP, food stamps, or public houses, may be difficult as well. You may also experience problems after getting the new number if you also change your name, as you will not have a birth certificate in that name. This could prevent you from getting a passport or drivers license.
A new number may not work if you have children with the abuser. If you and your abuser have children together, and the abuser has visitation rights, a new number won't protect you. Social Security will not issue a new number to the children if it would prohibit court-ordered visitation. If you only change your number, the abuser could find you by using the children's social security numbers.
Before making the decision to change your social security number, you should consult with the advocate at a domestic violence shelter or with an attorney.
IF YOU HAVE DECIDED TO CHANGE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER . . .
How to Apply
1. Go to the local Social Security Administration Office for an interview. You may want to call ahead and schedule an appointment.
2. If the interviewer is not aware of the policies for changing your number, refer them to "POMS chapter RM 00205;" if that doesn't help, ask to speak with a supervisor.
3. You will have to complete a statement as to why you wish to change your number, as well as an application for social security card.
4. Show the interviewer proof of your identity and U.S. citizenship (i.e. birth certificate, drivers license, etc.).
5. If you have changed your name, you will need to show proof of the name change (i.e. the court order), as well as proof of your identity under both the old and new names.
6. The documents you take with you, like your birth certificate or court orders, must be originals, or copies certified by the custodian.
7. You will also need to take evidence of the abuse. Take copies of every protective order that was ever issued on your behalf, even if they are now expired. Copies of medical records and police reports should also be taken. If possible, have your shelter advocate, counselor, or attorney write a letter verifying that the abuse occurred and that the change of social security number is a necessary safety measure.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WHETHER CHANGING YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IS AN OPTION FOR YOU, CONTACT THE BERING SEA WOMEN'S GROUP
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