You should call SSA now and file USPS forwarding now, but you cannot count on USPS to forward this SSN card because government mail can carry return instructions.
“I applied for my first SSN 17 days ago and haven't received it, though the SSA says it was mailed. I received my EAD and diploma at this address fine, but my name isn't on the mailbox. I'm moving at the end of July. What should I do if my SSN doesn't arrive before I move, and will USPS forward it?”
Summary
SSA has a specific replacement procedure when an I‑765 applicant's address changes or the card has been in processing long enough, and replacement filing is free. You can manage this move by contacting SSA and starting USPS forwarding now rather than waiting for the old mailbox to solve it.
Your next action depends on how you requested the first SSN, but neither route requires you to wait helplessly through the move.
If 14 days have passed since you received the EAD, contact the local SSA field office now. SSA POMS RM 10205.700 says that when the address has changed or SSA's is more than seven business days old, the technician takes a replacement-card application, obtains the supporting evidence, and confirms the mailing address. [2][1]
SSA says a field-office card should arrive about two weeks after it has everything needed, although immigration-document verification can take longer. At 17 calendar days, call now, report nonreceipt and the move, and request a free replacement if SSA confirms the mailed card is not still within its delivery window; use Form SS-5 and a stable address. [3][5]
Submit an individual , but do not make it your only plan. USPS normally forwards eligible First-Class Mail, yet government pieces with certain ancillary endorsement|ancillary endorsements may be returned instead, and the fetched official sources do not disclose the endorsement on this envelope. [7][8]
For an I-765 request, count from EAD receipt; for a direct SSA application, count from when SSA had everything needed.
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Watch out for
Next steps
These steps protect the current delivery, start forwarding in time, and give SSA a usable address if it must replace the card.
Today
Put your exact name and unit number on the current mailbox
Label the receptacle now and, if the building has 15 or more mail receptacles, ask management to add your surname to the resident directory. USPS DMM 508 says mail is normally delivered as addressed and a curbside box may bear the owner's name, while POM 632.626 separately requires a complete directory in larger apartment buildings. (Refs: DMM 508; POM 632.626) [9][10]
Requirements
Today—do not wait until move day
Call SSA and report nonreceipt plus the upcoming move
Call 1-800-772-1213, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. local time (or use https://www.ssa.gov/locator for the local office). Say this is nonreceipt of a first SSN card and report the address change. If the SSN was requested on Form I-765, the public trigger is 14 days after EAD receipt; ask the representative to check the . If you applied directly at SSA, the stated timing is about two weeks after SSA had everything needed. (Refs: SSA phone page; EBE 14‑day rule; SSA FAQ timing) [4][2][3]
Requirements
Now—USPS says to allow up to two weeks
File an individual permanent USPS Change of Address
Submit an individual at https://moversguide.usps.com/ and pay the online identity‑verification fee, or submit PS Form 3575 in person at a Post Office. Use the first day you should no longer receive mail at the old address as the start date. Eligible First‑Class Mail is generally forwarded for 12 months, but government mail with a return instruction is excluded. (Refs: USPS Forward Mail; USPS COA Basics) [7][8]
Requirements
Before you lose access to the old mailbox
Request a replacement to the stable address if the card is still missing
Start at https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card or take Form SS-5 to the office or Card Center shown at https://www.ssa.gov/locator. A noncitizen who starts online must complete the visit with required documents within 45 days. Bring originals or issuing‑agency‑certified copies; ordinary photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted. The filing is free. For an I‑765 request, SSA POMS RM 10205.700 directs a replacement application when the address has changed or the is more than seven business days old. (Refs: SSA Pub 05‑10515; Form SS‑5; POMS RM 10205.700) [6][5][1]
Requirements
Legal sources
Facts are drawn from SSA’s POMS, Form SS-5 and SSA publications, plus USPS’s Domestic Mail Manual, Postal Operations Manual, and Change‑of‑Address guidance.
SSA POMS RM 10205.700
SSA’s workflow when an I‑765 SSN hasn’t arrived and the address changed or the CYD is old: take a replacement application and confirm the address.
RM 10205.700(B)(3)
If the applicant’s address has changed or the CYD on the NUMIDENT query shows the application was processed more than 7 business days prior to the current date, take an application for a replacement SSN card and obtain all required supporting evidence. Ensure that the applicant’s mailing address is correct.
SSA EBE guidance
Public 14‑day timing and contact instruction for SSNs requested with an EAD application.
If You Do Not Receive the SSN Card
We will mail your SSN card separately to the address you listed on your application. You should receive your SSN card no later than 14 days after receiving your EAD. If you do not receive your SSN card within 14 days after receiving your immigration document, contact your local field office.
SSA SSN and Immigrant Visa FAQ
Timing for direct SSA applications and explicit instruction to call SSA if your address changes before card receipt.
FAQ (field-office application timing; address change)
You should receive your card about 2 weeks after we have everything we need to process your application. If we need to verify any document with the issuing agency, it may take longer. If you change your mailing address after arriving and before you receive your Social Security card, call us.
SSA Contact by Phone
SSA’s national phone number and staffed hours.
Contact Social Security By Phone
You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.
Form SS-5
SS-5 instructions: it’s free and you must provide an address where you can receive the card within the next 7–14 days.
Pages 1 and 5, item 16
Applying for a Social Security Card is free! Show an address where you can receive your card 7 to 14 days from now.
SSA Pub. No. 05-10515
Noncitizen replacement card: in-person completion deadline and originals/certified copies requirement.
Page 1
To complete the application process, you must visit your local Social Security office or Card Center with the required documents within 45 days of starting the process. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them.
USPS Standard Forward Mail
USPS start time guidance and the 12‑month duration of standard mail forwarding.
Getting Started; Extended Mail Forwarding
Plan ahead. Although mail forwarding may begin within 3 business days of your submitted request, it's best to allow up to 2 weeks. Standard mail forwarding lasts 12 months.
USPS COA – The Basics
USPS’s forwarding exception: certain endorsed government mail may not forward or may be returned.
How do Endorsements Affect my Mail Forwarding?
Mailpieces sent from businesses, financial institutions or government agencies that use ancillary endorsements may not forward to your new address. Mail will not be forwarded to your new address if the mailer has instructed the USPS to return the mailpiece if it is undeliverable as addressed.
USPS DMM 508
Mailbox/name conventions: ordinary delivery is as addressed; a curbside mailbox may bear the owner’s name.
DMM 508 (selected provisions)
Without a contrary order, the mail is delivered as addressed. The mailbox may bear the owner’s name.
USPS POM 632.626
Apartment buildings with 15+ boxes must maintain a complete resident directory.
632.626(a)
For all apartment houses with 15 or more receptacles, maintain a complete directory of all persons receiving mail.
These are the official SSA and USPS rules as published on the cited dates; rules and procedures can change.
This is general information about official processes, not legal advice, and SettleKit is not a law firm.
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