F O R Y O U R I N F O R M A T I O N
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
In order to enhance the safety of victims of domestic violence, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has amended its policy to enable victims of domestic violence to obtain a new Social Security number (SSN) by providing a written confirmation of the abuse from a third party. Previously, SSA required victims to provide proof that the abuser has misused their SSN.
Please note that this information is also available at SSA’s web site (see reverse):
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-CONTINUED-
/ / BES CONTACT: Ed Weinman (213) 351-5735
APPROVED: ______
Paul V. Freedlund, Deputy Director
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
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SSA Provides Assistance to Victims of Domestic Violence
SSA Provides Assistance to Victims
of Domestic Violence
All people deserve to livewith respect and dignity - free from fear. Yet, family violence plagues the lives ofmillions ofAmericans, according to estimates by theDepartment of Justice. This crime affects people in allwalks oflife.
The SSAjoins withother Federal agenciestoprovide greater assistance to victimsofdomestic violence. Somevictims seeking toeludetheir abuser and reduce theriskoffurther violence choose toestablish a new identity. As part of that effort,it may be helpful to obtain a new Social Securitynumber (SSN).
How To Apply For A New Social Security
Number
•Apply in person atany Social Security Office;
•Takeevidence of your age,identity, and U.S.citizenship or lawful
alien status;
•If you have changed yourname as theDepartment ofJustice recommends, take evidenceidentifyingyoubyboth your oldand new names;
•If new SSNs are being requested forchildren, take evidence showing
you have custody;and
•Takeany evidence youmay havedocumenting theharassment orabuse. TheSocialSecurity Administration will assist you in obtaining any additional corroborating evidence, if needed. The bestevidence comes from third parties, such as police, medical facilities ordoctors and describes the natureand extent of the domesticviolence. Other evidencemight include court restrainingorders, letters from shelters, letters from family members, friends, counselors, orothers with knowledgeof thedomestic violence.