A day with Social Security

I have been trying for several weeks now to obtain a replacement card for my oldest son. He's ready to take his driver's exam and get a job and all that lovely stuff that takes ID. I had sent the application and what I thought would be the necessary information, only to have it returned not once, not twice, but SIX times for lack o' correctness.

So I gathered up all the things I needed, prepared to sign the child out of school, called the 800# at 8 :17 this morning (because the local office is only open from 9-4, very convenient for working people). I asked if the things I had would be acceptable. I was told they were. Traveled to the local office, took a number, had a seat.

Now we all know Aurelia a shy little thing (Heavy Sarcasm Alert). She announced that the woman she laid eyes on first was her "gwammmaw". She chatted it up with just about every person she saw. Then she turned to the woman she had been pestering for ten solid minutes, made a face, held her nose, and said ever so loudly, "Eww, you stink!" Why do I not think to carry the Duct Tape?

Our number was called, the info was reviewd and rejected out of hand. Almost as if that is standard procedure. It's amusing to me what they will accept as id and what they will turn away. I had his birth certificate and adoption decree... no go. But bring us his medical records or school records in a sealed envelope and we'll do the happy dance. So we traveled to the school. The gracious, kind lady at the desk had already printed off what I needed and highlighted his info. She handed them to me and I was forced to ask for an official seal and a sealed envelope. Again, she graciously complied.

Back to the SS office and take another number. This time Aurelia decides to comment on some younger men. "He's a monster". No volume control. Then a long diatribe on the poor elderly man in a wheelchair and why he needs to have wheels on his chair. When our number was finally called (and I should add we had a fairly short wait) the same woman who sent us away the first time was the one behind the window. I gave her the envelope and begged her to tell me this was the golden ticket. Pretty please. With sugar. Thanks.

So now I have a receipt! Yippee. And the card will come in 2-6 weeks. And it goes toward his lifetime limit of ten replacement cards. Surprised? Well this little adventure did enlighten me to the limit of three per year and a lifetime limit of ten! So find your card and stick it in a fireproof, thief resistant, waterless place and never, ever, ever misplace it. Or else.