6 New Card Centers

[Nik+Heather 121]

So we went to go get Nik's Social Security Card updated now that he has the green card and they wouldn't take our paper SS-5 which we had filled out. I quizzed the lady about it, and she said that starting in November 2009 they were no longer accepting "wet signatures" or paper applications - it's all on the computer and a sworn (and recorded - apparently) statement.

There are 6 offices which have been switched to "card centers" and deal with the easier stuff like applying for a new card etc.

Brooklyn, NY

Queens, NY

Minneapolis, MN

Sacramento, CA

Las Vegas, NV

Phoenix, AZ

It also seemed to be some sort of pilot program, so I would expect to see this sort of thing rolled out more widely as time goes on - so don't be surprised!!

Edited April 5, 2010 by Nik+Heather

[TBoneTX 45,284]

Good for many here to know, Heather. Sure beats the trips and the "cattle-call" atmosphere, si man!

[I'm Gone 60]

So we went to go get Nik's Social Security Card updated now that he has the green card and they wouldn't take our paper SS-5 which we had filled out. I quizzed the lady about it, and she said that starting in November 2009 they were no longer accepting "wet signatures" or paper applications - it's all on the computer and a sworn (and recorded - apparently) statement.

There are 6 offices which have been switched to "card centers" and deal with the easier stuff like applying for a new card etc.

Brooklyn, NY

Queens, NY

Minneapolis, MN

Sacramento, CA

Las Vegas, NV

Phoenix, AZ

It also seemed to be some sort of pilot program, so I would expect to see this sort of thing rolled out more widely as time goes on - so don't be surprised!!

No pilot program. SSA is using an new system called SSNAP that doesn't require a signed application.

RM 10205.175 Applicant’s Electronic Signature for an Application for an SSN Card Processed in SSNAP

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205175

As far as using the Form SS-5, they haven't used those for a long time when you apply in the office. Everything gets entered into the computer and a computer generated for is what you signed, even if you gave them an SS-5. I have told people on here more times than I can remember to not bother with the SS-5 when applying. One more reason that the SSN guide here is out of date.

RM 00202.001 Form SS-5 (Application for A Social Security Card) - Overview

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0100202001

Notice this came out 07/2005

C. Policy - Types of Applications

An SSN application can be the Form SS-5, the Internet version Form SS-5, or the systems-generated application which collects the same information from the applicant as is obtained on the paper Form SS-5. While any of these formats are acceptable, you must use the systems-generated application whenever the proper applicant remains in the office throughout the interview and input process

The Brooklyn Card Center has been open for over five years. The Minneapolis Card Center opened last year. The others opened somewhere in between.

[Nik+Heather 121]

The Brooklyn Card Center has been open for over five years. The Minneapolis Card Center opened last year. The others opened somewhere in between.

OK, well, when we did Nik's first in October, she took his paper SS-5. For Phoenix, this no signature on anything started in November 2009. So, maybe not new for Brooklyn, but there was a recent change to at least part of the process in Phoenix.