Beijing initiated the third concerted replacement of the third-generation social security cards on May 6. This phase specifically targets insured entities in four districts: Dongcheng, Chaoyang, Mentougou and Miyun.

For this phase, Beijing has adopted an online application format. Incumbent employees must complete the process after their insured entities activate group application services through the official website of the Beijing Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau. Insured individuals can submit requests via online channels including the bureau's official website, the "Jingtong" (京通) WeChat mini-program, the official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau (北京人社), and the "Beijing Minsheng Yikatong" (北京民生一卡通) WeChat mini-program.

Each third-generation social security card is produced within 30 calendar days from the date of application. Every insured individual can collect his/her card through two methods: visit a service branch of the designated card-issuing bank to collect the card, where both social security and financial functions can be activated on-site; or apply for mail delivery by the card-issuing bank.

Any insured individual, upon receiving the card, may activate the social security functions through online or offline channels. Financial functions can be activated at a nearby service branch of the issuing bank. Additionally, insured entities may contact the bank in charge of replacement to arrange card delivery after completing production and activate the social security and financial functions simultaneously. 

For an insured individual who has not yet replaced his/her social security card with the third-generation version, or has replaced it but not activated the new card, the original card will not be deactivated and has no expiration date. Pension disbursements will remain unaffected, and social security, medical insurance, and other functions can continue to be used as normal.

If you run into any problems, follow the official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau or dial 96066 for help.

(Source: Official WeChat account of Beijing Daily)