My hubby made a trip down to the Social Security office to apply for a new SS card (to remove the "Valid for work only with DHS Authorization" written on it) since he already has the green card.

They took his application and said in 2 weeks he should have his new SS card. However, they took the old social security card from him. He asked if this is standard practice and they said "well how do we know what you'll do with it afterwards".

So I'm just wondering what were your experiences at SS office. Did they keep your old card too?

I think I remember someone posting something about not letting them take your SSN card until you get the old one.

The SSA office will ask for the old card, but you are not required to give it to them.

You never really need your SS card. I have never onced used it, you only need the number.

You need it at a lot of places. You can't open a bank account with just the number, they want to see the card.

Also, if you are getting hired for a job, they want to see the SS card.

They let us keep his old card. No way I wanted them to have it so I would have fought her for it. LOL!

This is NOT true. Never needed it for any of these items.

When Claudeth changed hers they didn't ask so she kept it.

They didn't ask for mine when I had the "notice" removed.

Thanks for your responses. I guess its too much to ask for consistency from a gov't agency.

Then you must have been working at some pretty shady establishments. Employers most definitely are supposed to have a copy of your SS card on file.

If you look at the I-9 requirements, a copy of the SSN is only one of several documents that can be submitted .... so therefore is no absolute requirement for an employer to have a copy of your SSN card. Many people however do because it is sometimes the more convenient document.

I wouldn't call a major US airline a shaddy establishment. They have a copy of my passport and my SSN number only.