How to appeal if the SSA says you are a non-citizen
Explicame, Gabriela León, 4/19/25
Imagine being born in the United States, holding a valid U.S. birth certificate and passport, yet being told by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you’re not a citizen. Unfortunately, this is a real issue some Americans are facing in 2025. But the good news is: there’s a way to fix it.
If the SSA has misclassified you as a non-citizen, this article will walk you through the steps to correct the error, avoid long-term problems, and protect your benefits.
Why the SSA might say You’re not a citizen
One recent case shared on Reddit involved someone born in the U.S. who was trying to replace a lost Social Security card. After entering their information online, they were shocked to receive this message:
“Our records indicate that you are not a U.S. citizen.”
Despite having a valid birth certificate and passport, the individual feared that their parents’ naturalization history or the political relationship between their family’s country of origin and the U.S. could be causing the issue.
The cause may vary, but the consequences are the same: misclassification could affect your ability to access Social Security benefits or other federal services.
Step-by-Step: How to appeal a citizenship error with the SSA
If this happens to you, here are the best steps to take:
1. Go to Your Local SSA Office In Person
Bring original documents such as:
- Your U.S. birth certificate
- Your valid U.S. passport
- Any other legal documents proving your citizenship
Important: Appointments are strongly recommended, as walk-ins may face long wait times or be turned away.
2. Schedule Your Appointment (Call Early)
To schedule an appointment, you’ll need to call your local SSA office—you can’t book this online. Due to staff shortages, call first thing in the morning to avoid long hold times.
3. Contact Your Congressional Representative (If Needed)
If you can’t resolve the issue through the SSA office, you can ask your local Congress member for help. Many people have successfully resolved SSA issues with the help of a congressional staffer, who can act as your advocate and escalate the case internally.
Even if you’re 100% sure you’re a U.S. citizen, it’s vital that the SSA has accurate records. A mistake could:
- Delay your benefits
- Block access to Medicare or retirement support
- Create legal confusion around your status
And it’s not just about citizenship. Errors in your earnings history can also affect your Social Security payments when you retire.
Tips to Avoid SSA Surprises
- Create a “my Social Security” account and review your records regularly: www.ssa.gov/myaccount
- Check your reported income and personal details
- Keep digital and physical copies of key documents in a secure place
- Update the SSA promptly if your name, status, or personal information changes
Being wrongly classified as a non-citizen by the SSA can be frustrating, but it can be fixed. Bring your documents, schedule a visit, and don’t hesitate to involve your congressional representative if needed.