What do safety pins and Social Security cards have in common? They both disappear with depressing regularity.

Every now and then I go searching for a safety pin. You'd think with all the pins I've bought over the years the ground would be paved with safety pins. Think I can find one when I want one? Of course not.

Go into any elderly person's purse or wallet looking for the precious Social Security card and it's the same thing. It was in that purse or wallet for 30 years, but when you need it, it's nowhere to be found. Just where do all those Social Security cards go, anyway?

We're advised now not to carry the card, but many older people are set in their ways and there's no changing things. If you still can, encourage your elder to put the card in a safe place, and make note of where that safe place is. There's no need to have the card with you day to day. If you discover that the card is nowhere to be found, now is the time to get a replacement. When you really need it you probably won't have time to waste jumping through hoops, and getting a new card takes a little time.

If you need to get a new card for yourself or your elder you will need to (surprise) complete a form. Form SS-5 is available for download on the Social Security website. You can also have one sent to you by calling 1-800-772-1213, or you can pick one up at your local Social Security office.

If you don't know where your closest local Social Security office is there is a locator on their website (above). Just type in your ZIP code.

If you download the form it MUST be printed on 8-1/2" by 11" white paper using blue or black ink. I recommend black. No fancy paper or colored inks.

With your completed application you will have to submit at least one additional "identifying" document:

• Driver's license
• Marriage or divorce record
• Military record
• Employer ID card
• Adoption record
• Insurance policy
• Passport
• Health Insurance card (not a Medicare card)
• School ID card

Social Security requires that you send the original identifying document. They will return this to you. However, as some of the records on the list above are extremely difficult to replace, I suggest that you use the most easily replaceable item that you have. For instance, a driver's license may be much more replaceable than original military records. You can always get another copy of an insurance policy. You might not be able to replace marriage, divorce or adoption records.

If you need to get a replacement card please do it as soon as you can. Life is full of unexpected bumps in the road. You may need that card sooner than you anticipated.