格隆汇1月4日｜北京市人力资源和社会保障局今日发布消息，北京市即日起进入第三代社保卡常态化换 发阶段，开放线下网点办理渠道，未在集中换发阶段办理的北京市参保人员可自行通过线上或线下渠道 申领第三代社保卡。自2026年起，北京市停止发放第一、二代社保卡。所有新参保或未换发第三代社保 卡的人员，申领、补换社保卡时均制发第三代社保卡。未换发或未启用第三代社保卡的，现持有的第 一、二代社保卡可继续使用。 ...

Core Viewpoint - The Shenzhen Human Resources and Social Security Bureau has announced the discontinuation of the first-generation social security card, urging insured individuals to replace it promptly with the new versions [1]. Group 1: Social Security Card Updates - The first-generation social security card has been inactive since August 2021, when the National Medical Security Information Platform was launched in Shenzhen, making it unusable for outpatient accounting and hospitalization settlement [5]. - The second-generation and third-generation social security cards both include financial functions, with the financial functionality typically valid for 10 years [5]. - It is recommended that holders of the second-generation card replace it with the third-generation card three months before the financial function expires to avoid any disruption [5]. Group 2: Application Process for the Third-Generation Card - There are two methods to apply for the third-generation social security card: in-person at designated bank branches or online through the "Shenzhen Human Resources" WeChat account or Alipay mini-program [7][8]. - The banks that support in-person applications include major institutions such as Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, and others, with instant card issuance available at select locations [7]. - Online applications can be made through the WeChat account or the Alipay mini-program, with specific banks designated for processing applications for foreign and child social security cards [8]. Group 3: Functions of the Social Security Card - The social security card serves multiple purposes, including as a medical insurance card for settling medical expenses, thus reducing waiting times and eliminating the need for upfront payments [11]. - It acts as a service card for insurance registration, account inquiries, and benefit claims, and is integrated with employment services, allowing for unemployment registration and cross-province services [12]. - The card also functions as a public service card, enabling access to various local services such as public transport, parks, and libraries, contributing to the development of a smart city [13]. - Additionally, the card includes banking features, allowing for deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and the receipt of various social benefits, streamlining processes for users [14]. Group 4: Employment and Insurance Services - The social security card is linked to employment services, allowing users to register for unemployment, apply for training subsidies, and receive various employment support benefits directly to their bank accounts [16]. - For pension services, cardholders can manage retirement applications, self-certify eligibility, and make online contributions to pension funds [18]. - In terms of workers' compensation, the card facilitates the registration and claims process for work-related injuries, simplifying documentation and enabling direct settlement of medical expenses [20]. - The card is also recognized as valid identification for national professional qualification exams, allowing candidates to use it for registration and entry into examination venues [22].