Someone with Two Social Security Numbers

[fairness]

Someone I'm closely related to wants to correct the fact that she has two social security numbers. But she is 1) scared to bring up the issue 2) don't know how to do it. 3) is an older lady who doesn't do forums, facebook etc.. Can anyone help with suggestions?

[LawResearcherMissy]

How did she come to have two SSNs?

[fairness]

I honestly don't understand how she got it. According to her the first one was not eligible to work with, and when she got legal status she applied for a SS card without the restriction, but she filled out her maiden name (divorced at this time) and got a completely new number. Is that possible? Now after five years she wants to correct it. I wonder why she did not go to SS office right away?

[LawResearcherMissy]

It certainly sounds plausible. As long as she didn't use the first one for work purposes, she shouldn't have any problems getting this sorted. She should make an appointment at her local Social Security office, take both numbers, ALL of her identifying documentation, and a load of patience.

[Dogmatique]

This is immigration-based, yes?

There is a section on the form which asks if you have had or already have a social security number - she apparently didn't answer correctly (because otherwise they would have simply issued her the same number with her maiden name and no restrictions).

[fairness]

Thank you for the replies. Yes, immigration-based. LawResearcherMissy, I already told her to contact SS office. If she is afraid then maybe she is hiding some facts? Dunno. I just wanted to help her.