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Check your Social Security card first: cards issued beginning in April 2007 show the card’s issue date beneath the signature line. That date is not necessarily the day the Social Security number (SSN) was assigned or the day the card arrived. If the date is missing, the official route is to consult Social Security Administration (SSA) records; access to another person’s records is restricted.
Check the card for its issue date
- Find the signature line on the front of the card.
- Look directly beneath it for a date. SSA says cards issued beginning in April 2007 print the card issue date there. Record it as the card issue date, not automatically as the SSN assignment or delivery date. SSA policy guidance
Older cards may not show a date. The design has changed over time: SSA’s version history says the 1936 card displayed a typed issue date, while the date-of-issue field was removed in the 1940 design. SSA’s card version history
Understand which date you are looking for
- SSN assignment: SSA says it assigns a number after receiving and processing the completed SS-5 application. The processing interval is not itself an assignment date. SSA Handbook § 1401
- Card issue date: The date printed on qualifying cards is the card’s issue date; SSA policy identifies it as the cycle date from the Numident.
- Delivery date: The date the card arrived is a separate event. Do not treat either the printed date or an application-processing estimate as proof of the exact delivery day.
Do not try to decode an assignment date from the digits in an SSN or rely on an online lookup tool. The official guidance points to SSA records for the underlying application and number information.
Request SSA records for a deceased person
If you are researching someone who has died and the card does not provide the date you need, SSA accepts requests for the original Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5), a Numident, or both. SSA describes the Numident as a computer extract of the SS-5. Requests can be submitted through FOIAXpress online or by mail using Form SSA-711.
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#1 Best Overall
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SKYDUE Expanding File Organizer with 8 Pockets, Accordion File Folders with Labels, Portable Document Paper Bill Receipt Organizer, Home College School Office Supplies, Letter Size, Blue
- Size: 13 x 10 x 0.7 inches. Fits A4 and letter-size paper, standard documents and filing needs.
- User-Friendly Features: Included sticker labels allow you to easily distinguish between different categories of files, maintaining neatness and enhancing productivity!
- Sleek and Portable: Designed to slip seamlessly into backpacks, laptop bags, or file cabinets, our lightweight folder keeps your documents tidy and accessible wherever you go.
- Built to Last: Crafted from polypropylene, our folders resist tears and deformation while remaining flexible. The secure snap closure offers easy access while keeping your papers securely in place.
- Versatile Utility: This folder isn't limited to organizing course papers for college students; it's perfect for storing business tax documents, recipes, important receipts, and more!
- Read SSA’s current FOIA request instructions and decide whether to request an SS-5, a Numident, or both.
- Gather the identifying details and documentation the request requires, including acceptable proof of death where applicable. SSA says it will not release number-holder information without written consent or acceptable proof of death, subject to its extreme-age policy; consult its live instructions for what documentation it accepts.
- Submit online through FOIAXpress or mail Form SSA-711 as directed by SSA.
- Check the current fee schedule and submission requirements before sending a request or sensitive documents.
The SSA page accessed October 8, 2026 listed fees of $23 for an SS-5 copy and $22 for a Numident copy, plus $10 for certification if requested. These are agency fees and may change; confirm them on the live SSA page before applying. SSA fee and request information
What the records can—and cannot—establish
The SS-5 is the original application; the Numident is an SSA computer extract of that application information. SSA states that an SSN is assigned after it receives and processes a completed SS-5. Its handbook says processing usually takes about two weeks and may take longer when documents require verification, including an example of up to 12 additional weeks to verify a U.S.-born applicant’s birth record. Those processing intervals do not establish a specific assignment, card issue, or delivery date. Review the record itself and keep the dates distinct.
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Sooez 13 Pocket Accordion File Organizer, Zipper Expanding File Folder A4
- Zipper Closure for True Security: Unlike folders using elastic bands that can let contents slip out, our expanding file folder features a dependable zipper closure, ensures everything stay safely secured inside, safe and sound. No more worries about losing small items.
- Sleek Design with Fresh Colors: 4 assorted pastels colored add a soft, delicate touch (purple, pink, sky blue, green). The black and gray hues present you a professional image. The tactile pattern exterior enhances and enriches the bright on trend colour-way.
- Unrivaled Durability: Say hello to an excellent all-rounder for secure and long-lasting storage. Made of PP tough shell (42% thickness upgraded) that endures daily handling and wear, and never tears. Acid-free, PVC-free. The metal zipper pull and reinforced edge construction offer reliable usage over time.
- Truly Large Capacity: 14 x 11.2 inches. Fit A4/letter size. This portable file organizer with expandable spine design is more stretchy to fit over 400 sheets without bulking up too much. Convenient size to carry around. Easily take your paperwork to a meeting or school.
- Monthly labels for Quick Retrieval: Customizable pastels stickers and 13 tabbed pockets allow you to sort by subject or task, bonus monthly labels increase its ease of locate and access.
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Sooez Accordion File Organizer, Expanding File Folder with Label, 5 Pocket
- Eye-Catching Colors: Designed to stand out, this folder combines fresh, vibrant hues with sleek patterns, making organization not just functional but stylish. Perfect for adding a touch of charm and energy to your workspace
- Upgraded Spine for Larger Capacity: Our accordion file organizer with expandable spine design is more stretchy to fit over 250 sheets without bulking up too much. Unlike regular spines that can easily get dented, our spine is made for quality and not easy to deform in transit
- Easy Organization: This expanding file folder makes sorting and organizing your papers a breeze. Featuring 5 pockets with tabs and colorful labels for quick sorting and retrieval
- Made to Last: Reinforced plastic document folders resists tearing and creasing, with a secure snap closure to keep papers in place
- Portable & Lightweight: 13 x 9.5 inches. Fit A4/letter size documents. Compact and lightweight for easy carrying. Easily take your paperwork to a meeting or school
Rank #3
DocSafe Fireproof File Organizer with Lock, Hard-Shell Case Fireproof Document Box with 13 Pocket Accordion File Folder, Portable Home Office Travel Safe Storage for Important Documents Laptop Black
- Ultimate Fireproof & Water-Resistant Protection: Keep your valuables safe with our DocSafe Hard-Shell fireproof file organizer. It is made of thickened silicone coated fireproof heat insulated cotton material and hard-shell material which can stands up against fire and passed the UL94 -V0/5VA flame retardant test. Fireproof box is both fireproof and water-resistant, ensuring your documents stay protected during fires, floods, or wet weather. It may fit both letter and legal-size files
- Upgraded Hard-Shell Design Fireproof Box: Our fireproof document box combines hard-shell construction with fireproof materials, offering unmatched protection and durability. Unlike traditional soft case, our design withstands extreme conditions while maintaining a sleek, professional look. The Non-dusty material actively repels dust,hair and stains, keeping your box clean and tidy for years. It’s the ultimate solution for safeguarding your important documents, laptop, and valuables
- Large-capacity: Outside size: 15.5" x 11.5" x 3"(Thickness can be expanded up to 4"). Our Accordion fireproof document box adopts a multi-layer design that can meet all your storage needs. These include 13 accordion Pockets with labels,1 zipper pocket,4 pen slot,14 card slots,4 passport holder,4 small mesh bags,2 mesh bags,and 1 main pocket. It can store your important documents,money,passport,U Disk,cards,laptop,certificates in a safe and orderly way. Perfect for daily file filing and storage
- Fireproof File Organizer with Lock: Protect your valuables with the built-in high-quality combination lock (No keys required). Featuring a double metal zipper for convenient opening and closing. Design with a strong handle for carrying everything you needed easily. The fireproof file folder is suitable for business, travel, office, school, home storage, you can be 100% sure that your important documents are in a safe place. Of course, giving it as a gift to your family is also a good choice
- Trusted after sales service: Nothing is completely foolproof, but added protection is always a good idea. In an emergency, our fireproof document organizer ensures your files stay intact, giving you time to save your important documents. It is lighter, easier to carry than fireproof safes and quick to grab and go. If there any quality problem, please feel free to let us know. We are committed to solving your problem immediately, your suggestion has a great impact on the upgrade of our products
Rank #2
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ENGPOW Fireproof File Organizer Bag with 13 Pockets Accordion File Folder
- Fireproof and Water-resistant: The multi-Layer file organizer is made of silicone coated material and aluminum foil which withstand the temperature up to 5200℉(double safe protection).Aluminum foil lining isn’t easily melt under high temperature after several tests. It has been passed the UL94 -V0/5VA flame retardant test.The bag is fireproof and Water-resistant, which can effectively protect your important documents in a fire,flood,and wet weather. They will further keep your files intact
- Large-capacity(15.1"x11.2"x4.3"): Compared with other bags,our fireproof file bag adopts a multi-layer design that can meet all your storage needs. These include 13 colorful accordion pockets with labels(each expanding to 1.2 inches),8 passport mesh bags,16 card slots,4 U Disk pockets, 7 folder layers and one main pocket with a large space. It can store your important documents,money,passport,U Disk,cards,laptop,certificates in a safe and orderly way. Perfect for daily file filing and storage.
- Combination Lock Protection: Compared with other bags,our multi-Layer fireproof document organizer bag can lock files and items inside the bag for safety. High-quality password lock provides maximum security for your valuables such as contracts, cards, certificates, conference materials, passports, etc. The package includes an instruction manual for lock(The folders inside can be disassembled and used separately).The double zipper design makes it easier to open and close. No keys required.
- Multiple security protection: Design with a strong grab handle for carrying everything you needed easily, the zipper has a safer waterproof design,strap handle design on the back(with reflective strip) allows you to insert a suitcase handle. Buckle can hold documents in place.Not only can you put it in your home, office, car, safe box,cabinet, you can also take it to travel and various outdoor activities. Of course, giving it as a Christmas gift to your family is also a good choice.
- Trusted after sales service: In the event of an emergency, our fireproof file bags are lighter, easier to carry than fireproof safes and quick to grab and go. We only wish to present the best to customers,to protect your valuables.If there any quality problem, please feel free to let us know.We promise to arrange a REPLACEMENT or 100% REFUND immediately. Ready to respond within a 24 hour time,your suggestion has a great impact on the upgrade of our products.(Comes with white label)
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