Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid says no one can take away your social security number

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE; (Minneapolis, Minn): Amid a flurry of mixed messaging about who can have a social security number and who can’t, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid has authored a fact sheet outlining how to get a social security number, what it means to have one and myths about keeping it. Find the sheet posted to LawHelpMN.org, in multiple languages.

Legal Aid Public Benefits Attorney Anne Quincy says the organization is dispelling misinformation and rumors. “Whether you’re a citizen or a noncitizen, if you have a social security number, it is yours to keep for as long as you live and it is attached to your legacy even after you die.”

Social Security numbers are never taken away or reissued to anyone else. Social Security does keep a list of SSNs of people who have died, to keep them from being used illegally.

Quincy adds, “If anyone tries to take away your card or your number, contact us, immediately.” Reach the Legal Aid intake line by calling 1-877-696-6529 or visit “Get Help” at mylegalaid.org.

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Media contact:
Lisa Ramirez | Lramirez@mylegalaid.org
Communications Director
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
612.746.3641