Social Security Warning Defies Common Sense – But They Aren’t Kidding

(KMDL-FM) Social Security: When I was a kid growing up in the 1960s, we were told that Social Security would be our "retirement plan" for the future. If you've been following any of the news on Social Security as of late, then you'd probably agree that the future has gotten pretty bleak. But still, there is a reason for you to hold on to that tiny little card with that very important number printed on it.

Social Security Offer Important Warning About Your Social Security Card

In fact, your physical Social Security card is the reason the Social Security Administration has issued a warning that, for the life of me, and anyone I've mentioned it to, defies what most of us would call common sense.

a sign that says making sense is optional

Your Social Security card is just a piece of paper. It's a special piece of paper, but we'll get to that in just a moment. We are supposed to have this tiny piece of paper for our entire lifetime. Some of us have lived a few years, and let's just say the paper- our Social Security card- is starting to wear thin.

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In my informal survey of more than a dozen people, when asked, "What should you do to protect your Social Security card?" they said you should have it laminated. You know, sealed in a protective plastic covering. That way, it's protected from the elements. And that is exactly what Social Security is warning you not to do. Seriously, they say laminating your card is a bad idea all the way around.

Here's Why Laminating Your Social Security Card is Not a Good Idea

what do you mean? text on gray surface

The Social Security Administration says laminating your card compromises many of the document's built-in security features. The printing on your card is unique; it's actually slightly raised, so there should be some "feel" to it.

There are embedded planchettes (small color discs) in your card that a laminated covering would hide because of the unique design of those security features.

And finally, the one that would seal the deal for me is this: if you laminate your Social Security card, government agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and refuse to accept it as a valid document.

What Are The Best Ways to Protect Your Social Security Card?

Here is what you should do. First, don't carry the card around with you in your wallet or purse. Keep it in a safe place with other important documents in your home. It is very seldom that you'll need to present your card. So chances are you will know when you need to bring it, and you're better off leaving it at home until those times arise.

I do carry my card around with me, but I do have it in a removable plastic cover. So, I am kind of stupid and kind of smart. I always have my card, which saved my bacon during a bank transaction recently, but I also run the risk of losing it by carrying it.

Man posing after a workout at an outdoor gym

At least the plastic covering protects that precious paper when I sweat deeply into my wallet. If you're a guy, you've done that and yes, ladies, that's a thing.

So, don't laminate your Social Security card. Using a plastic covering seems to be the best rule of thumb. I wonder why we can't make the cards out of plastic? The credit card people seem to have figured that out, and they have a lot more security features built into their cards than Uncle Sam does- just a thought.

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And since you need a Social Security card to get a job (legally, anyway), here are some of the places in Louisiana you might enjoy working.