How to Apply for a Social Security Number
Social Security Card Application as a US Citizen or Resident
Sep 3, 2009
Once a person has become a US resident or a US citizen, it will be necessary to obtain a social security number in order to work and/or receive certain services; a social security number is needed for many transactions in the USA, including:
- to work
- to pay taxes
- to claim certain government benefits/services
- to open most bank accounts.
What is a Social Security Number?
A social security number is issued by the social security administration; a social security number is required to work and to complete tax forms in the USA. A social security number is often requested by a number of financial institutions and government agencies, such as banks and schools, as a means of identifying a person. A social security number also allows a person to claim a number of social security benefits and services.
The Different Types of Social Security Cards for US Citizens and US Residents
Most US citizens and US permanent residents will be issued with a social security card and number which allows the person to work in the USA without any restrictions; however, there are also two less common social security cards issued. These are:
- a social security card endorsed with the words 'not valid for employment'. This type of social security card is issued to lawful alien US residents who do not have authorization to work from US Citizenship and Immigration Services but need a social security number to receive a certain service or benefit
- a social security card endorsed with the words 'valid for work only with INS (USCIS) authorization'. This type of social security card is issued to lawful alien temporary US residents who are residing in the US for work purposes only.
Form SS-5 Application for a Social Security Card
The application process for obtaining a social security card is free; in order to apply for a social security number and card, complete Form SS-5: Application for a Social Security Card, obtainable from a local security service office. It is also possible to obtain the social security card application on line.
Documents Needed to Apply for a Social Security Number
There are certain documents needed to apply for a social security number when completing the application for a social security card; these documents are:
- proof of US citizenship; documents accepted for proof of US citizenship are a US birth certificate, US passport, US consular report of birth, Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization; OR
- proof of lawful immigration status (including Department of Homeland Security documentation supporting permission to work in the US, if applicable, or an official letter from the government agency which requires a social security number); documents accepted for proof of lawful immigration status are Form I-551 (Green Card) (with unexpired foreign passport), Form I-94 with unexpired foreign passport, Form I-766 or I-688B (work permit card issued by the Department of Homeland Security)
- proof of age – either a birth certificate or, if unavailable, a passport.
- proof of identity – US driver's license, US passport, state-issued non-driver identification card OR, if the preceding documents cannot be produced, a school ID card, US military ID card, life insurance policy, employee ID card, health insurance card (not Medicare), adoption decree, marriage document (for name changes only).
Social security offices will only accept original documentation or copies certified by the issuing agency; documents can be mailed in to the social security office unless it is required that the person attend an interview with the social security office (usually if a social security number has never been issued to a person over the age of 12 years old).
The Procedure for Social Security Card Applications
Applying for a social security number in the USA is free and only requires completion of Form SS-5: Application for a Social Security Card; however, relevant supporting documentation must also be submitted with the social security application. As legislation is always subject to change, and there are often additional requirements for certain categories of social security applicants, it is advisable to contact a local social security office before sending in an application for a social security card.
For Further Information:
contact social security toll free 1-800-772-1213
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