Oklahomans Facing Long Waits To Replace Social Security Cards Due To Backlog

A number of Oklahomans are struggling to replace social security cards, as the offices deal with many calls and no walk-in appointments. 

Right now, Oklahomans can only get appointments to go inside the office with an emergency appointment, and Oklahoma is one of a few states without an option to replace your card online.

However, there are some other options. 

Like so many other services, Social Security offices everywhere stopped their walk-in appointments last year.

"We realized how complicated this is for the average person trying to navigate this process," said Tracy Gaston.

Tracy Gaston said she couldn’t find a social security card for her and her son. She said getting answers on how to get it replaced was a headache.

Oklahoma is also one of only six states without an option to replace a card online.

“We realized you can't do that online, and most of the offices are closed," Gaston said.

“They don't do walk-in appointments, your options are mailing in sensitive documents which a lot of people are uncomfortable doing, and people were reaching out," said Tulsa State Representative Melissa Provenzano.

Provenzano said many people were concerned about sending important documents in the mail only to wait several weeks for a new card. She made some calls and found there are two other options.

One option is to call 1-866-931-7106 and asking for a NUMI LITE appointment. It’s essentially a phone interview with a social security office representative that allows employers to verify your identity online.

The second and new option is to call the Tulsa Social Security office at 1-866-931-7106 to make an appointment. Then it allows you drop off your documents, wait outside until you can get the documents back, then you’ll get your new card in the mail a few weeks later. The Tulsa office has a new location near the Eastgate Mall at 14002 E. 21st Street.

“They were telling me we usually see 750-800 people walk-in, and now we’re dealing with 1,200 phone calls a day," Provenzano said.

Provenzano said the state is currently working to get its equipment up to date to offer an online option soon.

To apply for a replacement card, click here.