Social Security is going digital in the United States. Through the federal government, citizens will be able to access their own digital Social Security card with a couple of clicks in the coming months. This online access is expected to streamline some of the most bureaucratic procedures in the system.
Ensure your personal information is up to date
The digital card will be available this summer in 2025. Full implementation, which will extend to all local offices and card centers, is expected by the end of the summer. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recommends taking advantage of this new feature as soon as it becomes available. The agency also notes that users should ensure their personal information is up to date to avoid issues when logging into their account.
The digital card doesn’t eliminate the traditional card
What will happen is that the SSA will introduce a digital Social Security Number (SSN) card, easily accessible through the My Social Security account. It’s important to note that the introduction of the digital card doesn’t eliminate the traditional card. It’s simply an added benefit to streamline and automate certain procedures, as is the case in other areas of everyday life.
The SSA will improve the use of the card
“This enhancement reflects our commitment to providing better service to the public while ensuring that their personal information remains secure. We believe that this modern approach will meet the needs of our constituents in a more efficient manner,” says Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek. The Social Security Administration has also reported that the rollout will be closely monitored with the goal of rectifying and improving its usability. The goal is for it to be intuitive for users, easy to understand, and assist beneficiaries in their daily lives rather than hindering their procedures in any way. Younger members of the family, more familiar with new technologies, can help older members of the household understand this new feature.
The digital card can reduce the risk of loss or theft
As we’ve mentioned, by the time the digital card is implemented, the SSA advises users to keep their personal information up to date to avoid problems when trying to log in. Another advantage of the new digital card will be that users can access their Social Security number via their SSN if they lose their physical card. This way, processes won’t stall but can continue while the affected person waits for a copy of the physical card to be sent to their home. “By offering a secure digital option, the SSA aims to reduce the risk of card loss or theft and improve the overall user experience,” says the Social Security Administration.
Last but not least, the SSA reminds everyone that the option of accessing their Social Security number digitally via a smartphone or laptop can ensure the security of their physical card, preventing it from being stolen, lost, or subject to fraud. Not to mention the ease of carrying the card on their smartphone, an item no one leaves home without.
Today, the path to digitalization is increasingly rapid. Governments, as well as large companies such as banks, clothing stores, supermarkets, and so on, are using these types of portals to make their products as accessible as possible. Today, it’s even possible to access some visas through apps, open a bank account with a couple of clicks, and even book airline tickets in just three minutes.
