If you’re planning to live, work, or manage your finances in the U.S., getting a Social Security Number (SSN) is a must. An SSN is more than just a nine-digital number, it’s essential for daily life in the U.S. Whether opening a bank account, renting an apartment, filing taxes, or securing health insurance, your SSN is key. Issued free of charge by the Social Security Administration (SSA), it’s available to both U.S. citizens and eligible non-U.S. citizens. If you don’t have one yet, this guide will walk you through the application process at your local Social Security office, the documents you’ll need to bring, and the typical processing time.
Key Takeaways
- Both U.S. citizens and eligible non-U.S. citizens can apply for an SSN.
- SSN helps the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) track your income and tax obligations.
- You’ll need an SSN for essential activities like filing taxes, starting a job, opening bank accounts, applying for loans, and accessing government benefits.
Eligibility for an SSN
Anyone who meets the citizenship or immigration requirements can apply for an SSN. U.S. citizens, including newborns, can apply at any time. Newborns typically receive an SSN during the birth registration process, but it can also be obtained later at a Social Security office.
Generally, non-U.S. citizens who qualify for an SSN have work authorization in the U.S., as the SSN tracks earnings for Social Security benefits and taxes. Eligible categories include lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and individuals on work-authorized visas like H-1B, O-1, and certain student visas (F-1 with work authorization).
Reasons for Applying
- Employment: An SSN is needed to report earnings to SSA and the IRS. Employers use this number for tax documents and payroll purposes.
- Benefits: Apply for an SSN to receive Medicare, unemployment, or other government assistance programs.
- Other Legal Requirements: Your SSN may be required to get health insurance, set up utility accounts, and complete credit checks for renting an apartment.
Required Documentation
For U.S. Citizens
- Proof of Citizenship: Required only for U.S. citizens.
- U.S. birth certificate
- U.S. passport
- Proof of Identity: Only one is needed, and it must be current.
- U.S. driver’s license
- State-issued ID card
- U.S. passport (if not already used as proof of citizenship)
For Non-U.S. Citizens
- Proof of Immigration Status:
- Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
- Valid passport with visa
- Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card) for green card holders
- Proof of Identity: Usually required as a separate document.
- A foreign passport or other U.S.-accepted ID
- Proof of Work Authorization: For those authorized to work.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS (Form I-766)
- Work visa (e.g., O-1, P-1)
How to Fill Out Form SS-5
Take your time to complete each section of Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) accurately to avoid delays. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through it.
- Line 1 – Write your full legal name as you want it to appear on your Social Security card. Include your previous name/s if you’ve changed your name after marriage or other causes.
- Line 2 (If Applicable) – If you’re applying for a new SSN, leave this line blank. Write your current SSN if you want to get a replacement card.
- Line 3 – Provide the city where you were born. Include the the state (if born in the U.S.), or the foreign country (if born outside the U.S.). Make sure to write the full name of the country without abbreviations.
- Line 4 – Write your full date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format.
- Line 5 – Check the box that matches your citizenship or legal status. Your choices include U.S. Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Non-Citizen with permission to work, and other reasons.
- Lines 6 and 7 (Optional) – Specify your race/ethnicity and gender. These questions are optional and are used for statistical purposes.
- Line 8 – Check the box to indicate your gender: male or female.
- Lines 9 and 10 – Write your parents’ names and SSNs if you know them. If you don’t know their SSN or they don’t have one, it’s okay to leave it blank.
- Line 11 – Check the right box if you’ve been issued or applied for an SSN before.
- Line 12 (If Applicable) – If you answered “Yes” to Line 11, provide the name that appeared on your most recent Social Security card.
- Line 13 (If Applicable) – If you answered “Yes” to Line 1 and you used a different date of birth when applying for your previous Social Security card, enter that date here.
- Line 14 – Write the date you signed the application in MM/DD/YYYY format.
- Line 15 – Provide your phone number, including the area code.
- Line 16 – Enter the mailing address where you want the SSA to send your social security card.
- Line 17 – Sign the form.
- Line 18 – If you are applying for yourself, check the “self” box. If you’re applying on behalf of someone else, check the box that shows your relationship to the applicant.
Submitting Your Application
Once your form is complete and you’ve gathered your documents, head to your local Social Security office to submit your application.
- Locate the Office: Use the SSA Office Locator Tool to find the nearest branch.
- Visit During Office Hours: Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Bring Your Paperwork: Submit Form SS-5 along with your supporting documents.
Once you submit your application, the SSA employee will provide you with a receipt. Hold onto it in case you need it later. Your Social Security card should arrive in the mail within 2–4 weeks.
How to Find Your Social Security Number
Your SSN helps safeguard your identity and protects against fraud. Take these steps if you feel like you lost your SSN:
- Check Personal Records: Your SSN may be listed in tax returns, W8-BEN, pay stubs, the W-2 form from your employer, and financial records.
- Contact SSA: Call +1 800-772-1213 or go to the SSA office.
Final Words
Applying for an SSN doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At ICONAC, we’re here to make the process smooth and stress-free. Whether you need guidance on filling out the form or navigating work authorization requirements, we’ve got your back.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to get started!
