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Fact check: Is there some way to get an 11th social security card after losing 10?

Checked on July 24, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, getting an 11th Social Security card after losing 10 is possible but requires meeting specific exception criteria. The Social Security Administration has established a lifetime limit of 10 replacement Social Security cards [1]. However, this is not an absolute barrier - individuals who have reached this limit can still obtain additional replacement cards if they can provide evidence of an acceptable exception reason [1].

The general sources confirm that replacement Social Security cards are available through standard processes [2] [3] [4], but they do not address the specific limitations or exception procedures that apply after reaching the 10-card lifetime limit. The SSA has specific policies outlined in their Program Operations Manual System (POMS) that govern these exceptional circumstances [1].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several crucial pieces of context:

  • The lifetime limit policy: The question doesn't acknowledge that there is an established 10-card lifetime limit, making it seem like unlimited replacements might be standard practice
  • Exception criteria: No mention of what constitutes "acceptable exception reasons" that would allow someone to exceed the 10-card limit [1]
  • Documentation requirements: The question doesn't address what evidence would be required to prove eligibility for an exception
  • Recent policy changes: The analyses reference new SSA rules requiring in-person identity verification for certain services [5] [6], which could impact the replacement process
  • Fraud prevention measures: New rules have been implemented to limit phone updates for Social Security beneficiaries due to fraud concerns [7], suggesting heightened security measures that might affect the replacement process

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains an implicit assumption that could be misleading:

  • Implies unlimited replacements: By asking about an "11th" card specifically, the question suggests that obtaining multiple replacement cards beyond normal limits is a straightforward process, when in fact there are strict lifetime limits with exception-only procedures [1]
  • Lacks acknowledgment of policy constraints: The casual phrasing "after losing 10" doesn't reflect the seriousness of reaching the SSA's established lifetime limit
  • Missing security context: The question doesn't acknowledge that repeatedly losing Social Security cards might trigger additional scrutiny or security measures, especially given recent fraud prevention initiatives [7]

The question would benefit from acknowledging the established limits and focusing on understanding the legitimate exception process rather than implying that unlimited replacements are routinely available.

Want to dive deeper?
What is the process for replacing a lost social security card?
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