Dear Question Support Team Member,

I had someone lost her social security card, and she did not keep any
record about her S.S. Number.
She came to USA in 1991 with a TOURIST VISA and apply for social
security card at that time need it to open a bank acount but she close
that bank account in 1993 so I think she cannot get the record from
the bank anymore because that account is closed too long ago, anyway
she still having he cancelled check of that closed account.

In 2001 she tried to ask the social securtiy department to recover her
lost social security card number, but before she meet to officer, the
security guild who worked in the office told her that the social
security department now no more give anyone having tourist visa or
without legal status
social security number.

I know that kind of social security card and number is 
  "NOT FOR EMPLOYMENT" purpose.

But people are using it for open bank account and paying tax and etc.

As many people told me the social security department still has the
record of the number.

My Question:

Do you have anyway to recover/get the number she had in 1991.
She offer $100 if anyone can help her to solve this problem.

If not,
Otherwise do you have any suggestion that I can help her to solve this
problem ?

Thank you for your execellent service !

Poon

Hello Poon ...

Sometimes our the American Bureaucracy can be so confusing, it is hard
to know what to do.

With respect to your friend's lost Social Security Card and number, a
visit to the Social Security Administration's (SSA) site will help you
find out what you need.

The SSA site is at http://www.ssa.gov/

There you can click on Questions, and in the drop down menu, choose
"Social Security Number & Card". The first question you will see is
"How do I replace a lost Social Security card?"

If you click on that question, the answer is:

"Applicants for replacement or corrected cards must present evidence
to establish their identity and either U.S. citizenship (if proof of
citizenship was not previously submitted) or current alien status.
When requesting a Social Security number card, the documents presented
as evidence must be either originals or copies certified by the
issuing agency. We cannot accept uncertified or notarized photocopies
as evidence since we cannot verify their authenticity. We will return
your original documents."

Questions No. 15 "How do I get a Social Security number when I have a
temporary visa?" and No. 20 "My SSN card does not permit me to work,
but I now have permission. What do I do?" may also be of value to you.

I hope this helps your friend get her Social Security Card back.

Yours,
Serenata

Thank you for your service. I still looking for help.
Poon

She *must* fill out this form:

Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5)
http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

...and provide documents proving that she is here legally (these are
noted on the form).  There is no other way for her to recover her SSN.

--Missy