A Social Security Number (SSN) is one of the most important items that an American probably has. Not only does this entitle him to benefits that will aid him financially during the critical times of his life, the number is also considered a national identification number and is used to report one's income to the U.S. Internal Revenue Services.

An individual is assigned one Social Security Number that he will use for the rest of his life. He will be given a Social Security Card. It is very easy to apply for a Social Security Number as an individual only has to submit required documents in order to get one. A person has to show proof of his identity, declare his age, and present proof of his U.S. citizenship.

Getting a number and a card is free. No payment is required, and anyone who attempts to offer to get a person a Social Security Number and card and charging fees for his "services" is against the law and should be reported immediately to the Social Security Office.

Now of course, there will be instances that a person may lose his Social Security Card. It can be replaced easily, and it costs nothing. He only needs to fill out the application form, and present proof his identity and citizenship. But, the Office implemented a limit to the number of times that one can get a Social Security Card replacement. A person has an allotment of three Social Security replacement cards annually, and ten for his entire lifetime.

Changes because of name change and other special cases do not count, and will not lessen the allotted replacements that you still have.

When you get a replacement of the Social Security card, it will still contain the same number that you were originally assigned, with the same name.

There are three different types of Social Security Cards. These are:

* The common type, which contains the name of the cardholder and his Social Security Number. This type of card is assigned to citizens of the United States and permanent residents of the country.
* A restricted card type with the indication "Not Valid For Employment." It cannot be presented for proof of work purposes
* Another restricted card type with the indication "Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization." This is the type of card assigned to people whose work permit in the U.S. is only temporary. It should come with a work authorization card to satisfy the I-9 requirement.

Social Security Cards should be kept at all times and should be taken care of. Losing it or giving away the numbers can result to having one's identity stolen. Identity theft is one of the biggest concerns facing U.S. citizens today. Having a complete stranger knowing one's Social Security Number can pose serious problems, since the number is considered a reliable means of identification. A thief can have illegal transaction in an innocent person's name even with just his Social Security Number.

The U.S. government has made initiatives to ensure the safety of Americans when it comes to using their Social Security Number. The U.S. Congress has proposed laws that put restrictions on the use of the numbers as personal identification.