Weird Question Concerning SSN change?

Paying for College
1

Hi all,
I just recently received a new SSN card. I had expected it to just be a name change (First one was an old name), but turns out my entire SSN was changed. Problem is I have already sent in applications for 8+ schools, and put my old SSN number on the common app since I need financial Aid. I also sent the CSS profile with my old SSN number to 5 schools already. I have not completed the fafsa or remaining css profiles for the rest of the schools. What should i do? Should i call admissions? Send a letter/ email(is this safe)? Input my new SSN number for the rest of my applications? Also does SSN info matter for anything other than FA? Please help because I have heard colleges match FA applicants based on SSN info…

2

You need to contact SS and find out why your number was changed.

3

@thumper1 , may I contact the colleges and tell them to update my SSN or do I need to wait until I understand why my number was changed?

4

Wait until you find out why. It may be a mistake and they may reissue your other card.

5

@“Erin’s Dad” , Ok, and if it isn’t a mistake, I should proceed to give admissions office a call? Also does this have any adverse effect on my applications/ will my applications still be read?

6

To get a replacement social security number you usually have to specifically ask for it due to some problem. Did you apply for a new card instead of a name change?

7

Usually, a new SSN will only be issued if something has happened to make the original number subject to fraud. For example, when a child is adopted from foster care and the number has been used by multiple foster parents and the child has had no control over who has used it, AND there is indication that it is being used in a fraudulent way, a new number will be issues.

If you just had a name change, they should not have issued a new number. It is very rare for a new number to be issued.

You can’t just change the number with a school, especially if you’ve applied for financial aid. You would need to redo all that paperwork.

I second the suggestion to get it all clear with SSA and then the schools.