Hello JACUSTOMER,

The Social Security Administration does allow a person to change his social security number under limited circumstances. Two of these circumstances are if the person has been the victim of identity theft, or if the person has been the victim of domestic abuse/violence.

It sounds like this young person you know may qualify under both of these circumstances, although the domestic abuse seems more likely. Since the identity theft has not yet occurred, the Social Security Administration may not accept this as a separate ground. But taken together with the history of domestic abuse, the future possibility of identity theft may be taken into consideration.

To request a new number an attorney is not needed. To apply for a new number the person must appear in person before a Social Security Office. And the person must present evidence of the domestic abuse or identity theft. In your particular situation, presenting all documentation (including court records) of the person being taken away from his mother by DYFS and the restraining order will certainly help to establish his case. I would also be prepared to present documentation of the person's recent inheritance, and any evidence that the mother may attempt use his current social security number to commit identity theft. You are going to want to schedule an appointment in advance with a local Social Security Office rather than just showing up at the office and wait on a line.

The person will also need to provide proof of his current social security number, as well as documentation of his age, identity, and U.S. citizenship.

Let me give you some resources which will help:

New Numbers For Domestic Violence Victims
Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number
How to Change Your Social Securirty Number

I hope this helps.

Thomas