Medicare Card Application Online: Fill & Download for Free

(This answer concerns the U.S. Social Security Administration and the cards they issue.)DO NOT CARRY your Social Security card in your wallet! Keep it in a safe place (at home, in a lock box, at a bank safe deposit box). DO NOT CARRY IT IN YOUR WALLET, because it could be easily stolen (or just seen by someone with ill intent). Also, do not laminate or put clear tape on your Social Security card, or that will invalidate it.The practical value of a Social Security card is it shows your Social Security number (SSN), which you should memorize. There are only a very few situations when you must show your actual card to government agencies.I might have to fill out my SSN on occasion for a checking account application or a job, but I rarely have to show the actual card. Social Security numbers are easily used for IDENTITY THEFT. If someone steals your SSN, your credit could suffer. Guard that number! Memorize it, but do not put it on anything unless absolutely required (e.g., banking documents, IRS tax forms).Where SSNs used to be commonBack in the (dinosaur) day, SSNs were routinely used as the default numbers for:Student ID numbers at my state university, and probably at other institutionsDriver’s license numbersPatient identification numbers at doctors’ and dentists’ officesMedicareIn the States, medical offices can no longer use your SSN for ID. If you have Medicare, the new Medicare numbers are completely different from the SSN, and the new Medicare number should be in their system, not your SSN.Format of new Medicare numbersFor example, if someone’s SSN was 073–20–1234, the old Medicare number would have been the nine numbers of the SSN plus a letter (e.g., 073–20–1234-A). So, even if a patient had been careful about not sharing his Social Security number, the SSN would be obvious to anyone just by looking at the Medicare number.In 2028, though, the U.S. government finally changed this. Now, a Medicare number is 11 characters (0000–000–0000), a random mix of letters and numbers and could look like this: MG4B–3A2-4Z1Y. (The truth is, memorizing and Medicare number is not easy, but might not be that necessary.)DO NOT CARRY YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD AROUND!Because there is no obvious connection between a Medicare number and an SSN, it is fine to carry a Medicare card but not a Social Security card.Also see:Sarah Madden's answer to Can you get a Social Security number online?Sarah Madden's answer to How can I track down my Social Security card if it is lost?

I can answer this question because I just had to do all this like 2 weeks ago.As soon as you land first thing you need to do is have a place to stay. This will have to be a hotel, airb&b or perhaps your relative/friend’s place if you have any here. To rent an apartment is probably the biggest nightmare you will experience here in Melbourne and it will require all kinds of documents that you do not have yet, and a lot of time. But more on that later. For now you need to know that you need a valid address to get any document that you will be applying for.So the very first thing to do is either open a bank account or get a cell phone. I say either because bank account requires for you to give some sort of phone number. If you have a cell phone from another country that still works then that will do just fine initially but in the end you will want a local number. In my case we first opened a bank account with our US phone numbers, then went straight to local phone provider, got cell phone numbers and then back to bank to change the phone numbers. Keep in mind that you need some valid way to pay for cell phone plan you get so if you have an international credit card like we did you are good. Otherwise you will have to open bank account first then tie it to your cell phone. Also keep in mind that most banks here charge account maintenance fee if you open a bank account but you are not regularly putting money into this account. This will most certainly be the case for you as long as you don’t have a steady job. For example my bank takes $4 every month that I don’t put in more than $1000.In either case this is your first step. Once you have a bank account make sure you request two documents from your bank: Proof of opened account and bank statement. You will need these for all other documents as proof of identity/address.Once you have these, you can apply for Medicare card. I’m not sure if this can be done online but Medicare has an office in downtown Melbourne and I’m sure it has it in other cities too. You will need 3 documents to prove your identity and address. You can bring your passport, and the two documents you got from the bank. You also need your PR visa grant document since they want proof that you are eligible for medicare. Otherwise it’s a pretty straightforward. Your medicare card will arrive in mail to your home address but you will get a temporary one on the spot. You will need this one to get your driver’s license and rent your own apartment. At this point I would also create myGov account (if you have not done so already) and link my medicare card to myGov account.Now you can apply for your TFN (Tax File Number). You will need this to get a job and pay your taxes. You can do this online or you can go to select post offices around the country. You can find a list of post offices that offer this type of service online.Next you can get your driver’s license provided you already have one from your own country. I’m not sure about other states but in Victoria you got to VicRoads offices and apply for it. Bring all the documentation you got so far including your passport and your foreign driver’s license. You will have to pay money for this one and you have 2 options: 3 year license will cost you something like $280 or 10 year license which will be like $500+.Now you can focus on looking for a job and finding an apartment of your own. I can’t talk about finding a job since I have not yet started looking but from what I understand you can use http://seek.com.au and indeed.com.au.Finding an apartment is a difficult task because there is too many people looking and not enough apartments. You have to look online on sites like Real Estate | Properties for Sale, Rent and Share | Domain and Real Estate, Property & Homes for Sale for something you like, then schedule an inspection and then, if you like what you see, apply for it. You will need all your documentation including proof of incomes, bank statements, birth certificates, etc. Basically the owners want to know everything about you especially how much you make and if you will be able to pay the rent on time. Because they get to choose between many candidates, they will disregard your application as soon as they see something they don’t like. You are basically trying to sell yourself as the best option so you need to spill your guts out. I was also advised to up the offer if I see the apartment I really like. For example if the apartment was advertised at $550 a week you offer $560. This will ensure you jump out and increases the chances of you getting the apartment. Otherwise you’re one of many. Be warned this is annoying and tedious process. The pictures you see online will usually not be what the apartment really looks like. You will get disappointed and at times feel like you’re wasting your time. Just keep at it and you will find something you like eventually.Anyway good luck and welcome!!!

How can I check my future Social Security retirement benefit online? Can I check my retirement eligibility online? Can I check my earnings online?Yes.Create or login to your free mySocialSecurity at my Social Security | Social Security Administration.SOURCE: Elder Law AnswersWhat can you do with a mySocialSecurity account?Check your application statusSet up or change direct depositRequest a replacement Social Security cardGet a Social Security 1099 (SSA-1099) formGet a proof of income letterChange your address if you’re a beneficiary.SOURCE: SSAPopular Online Services:Review Your InformationView Your Latest StatementReview Your Earnings HistoryEstimate Retirement BenefitsPrint your 1099Apply For BenefitsApply for Retirement BenefitsApply for Disability BenefitsApply for Medicare BenefitsCheck Application StatusManage Your AccountChange Your AddressSet up or Change Direct DepositPrint Proof of BenefitsFind Help and AnswersReview Our FAQsRequest a Replacement Social Security CardRequest a Replacement Medicare CardAppeal a Medical DecisionIf you have to visit a SSA office, make an appointment; it is not mandatory but you will go to the front of the line. Avoid these days of the month, 1st; 3rd; 2nd Wednesday; 3rd Wednesday; 4th Wednesday — these are benefit payment dates.SOURCE: Where is the Closest Social Security Office?SOURCE: SSASOURCE: WordPressOnline Services by Topic:AppealsAppeal your recent medical decisionContinue a medical appeal you already startedAppeal other non-medical decisionCheck your appeal statusMedicareApply for benefitsReturn to a saved applicationApply for help with Medicare prescription drug plan costsCheck your application statusRequest a Replacement Medicare CardRetirementApply for benefitsReturn to a saved applicationCheck your application statusUse our online CalculatorsRetirement EstimatorDisabilityApply for benefitsReturn to a saved applicationCheck your application statusApply for help with Medicare prescription drug plan costsSSIApply for benefitsPrint Proof of BenefitsEstimate Future BenefitsFind the benefits you qualify forFind your full retirement ageUse our Retirement EstimatorUse our online PlannersGeneral HelpAccess our FAQ libraryBlock Electronic Access To Your AccountContact UsFederal HolidaysAccessibilityGet help receiving information if you are blind or visually impairedSocial Security CardsSocial Security Number and CardRequest a Replacement Social Security CardCorrect or Change Name