Two DIFFERENT social security numbers issued to the SAME person!

Question

A friend of mine had a social security number when she turned 18 (in mid 80's). She used it for a few years. When she applied for a replacement card in early 90s, she was mailed a card with a NEW number (with exactly the same name she used before)? Anybody ever heard of that?

She started using the new number assuming that's why SS administration issued it to her - but her school records and other business records from two decades ago are under the old number and she wants to go back to using the original social security number. (She just got divorced and has no credit, work or other records under her new number. The only records she has are under the old number!!!) Is it okay for her to revert to using the old social security number? Is it even legal?

Answer 1

What a mess!

Your friend needs to call the SS Dept and try to explain this to them to get a card with her old number on it. They will also have to try and merge the records of the 2 numbers onto her old number.

She needs to ask for a supervisor or higher when she calls.

If she goes back to using her old number without merging the 2 records, there is going to be a huge blank in her history which will do her no good.

I know its too late to ask, but why would anyone accept a different SS number then the one they originally recieved?

I have gotten a replacement card before and the insert says to carefully examine the card to make sure your name and number is correct and if not, to call them right away.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse and she may have some explaining to do to the government as to why she has been knowingly using a false SS# for 15 yrs or so.

Answer 2

Keep in mind that a new number probably will not solve all your problems. This is because other governmental agencies (such as the Internal Revenue Service and state motor vehicle agencies) and private businesses (such as banks and credit reporting companies) likely will have records under your old number. Also, because credit reporting companies use the number, along with other personal information, to identify your credit record, using a new number will not guarantee you a fresh start. This is especially true if your other personal information, such as your name and address, remains the same.

If you receive a new Social Security number, you will not be able use the old number anymore.