How to Apply for a Social Security Number

Hello Johnie,

In this post, I will detail how to apply for a social security number (SSN) when you first move to the United States. As an immigrant, an SSN is what you will use for virtually all financial transactions here in the United States. Without an SSN, you will have difficulties getting a job, a place to live, purchasing a car, applying for a credit card, building credit, opening a bank account, paying appropriate taxes, etc. This is essential for many aspects of life in the United States, and in many ways, this is the first step to entering American society.

What is a Social Security Number?

In the United States, the Social Security number (SSN) is a unique identification code assigned to individuals for tracking purposes. It was first created in 1936 to track workers’ earnings and calculate Social Security benefits. Since its introduction in 1936, the SSN has become a vital element of American society, linking individuals to various government services and facilitating financial transactions. As I mentioned previously, it is used for a variety of purposes, including:

Working legally in the United States: You need an SSN to get a job in the United States.

Receiving Social Security benefits: When you retire, become disabled, or die, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits. Your SSN is used to track your earnings and determine your benefit amount.

Filing taxes: You will need an SSN to file taxes in the United States. Your SSN is used to track your income and determine your tax liability.

Opening a bank account: You will need an SSN to open a bank account in the United States. Your SSN is used to verify your identity and to track your financial transactions.

Getting a driver’s license: In most states, you will need an SSN to get a driver’s license. Your SSN is used to verify your identity and to track your driving record.

Applying for a credit card and building credit: This helps you get a better rate on various loans- house, car loans, personal loans, etc. Now you may be thinking, why do I need to build credit? I’ll pay for everything in cash. America is a credit-based society, meaning a good credit score saves you money in the long run. This can take some adjusting if you are from a not credit-based society.

Getting a place to live: Many landlords require a background/security check prior to accepting you as a tenant. You will need an SSN for this.

Access to healthcare: An SNN enables you to give access to obtaining health insurance, either through your employer or purchasing off the marketplace.

Who is eligible for an SSN?

Not everyone can walk into a Social Security Administration office and apply for an SSN. There are many visa categories in the US, and not everyone is eligible. Simply put, in general, only individuals with work authorization are eligible for an SSN. This includes students with work authorization, J1 exchange visitors, H1B visa holders, Green card holders, refugees and asylees, spouses of people who have certain types of visas, etc. In rare circumstances, you may need an SSN for other purposes, and the SSA does have provisions for this.

How to Apply for a Social Security Number

There are a few different ways to get a Social Security number. Most people obtain their SSNs by applying in person at an SSA office. If you are physically present in the United States, you can also apply for an SSN online and provide your required documents to your local SSA office. You may also apply for an SSN solely online, but this option is not available to everyone.

What documents will you need?

Proof of identity: This could be your international passport, driver’s license, or other government-issued ID. You should use your international passport for this. International driver’s licenses are not always recognized and accepted.

Proof of age: This can be your birth certificate or another document (think an international passport) showing your birth date.

Proof of lawful presence: Your visa, green card, or any other document showing your legal presence in the United States. You will need your I-94. In addition to your I-94, if you have a J1 visa, you need to present a valid DS-2019 and a letter from your employer; An H1B holder will need to present a valid I-797 and a letter from your employer; F-1 or M-1 students will need to show their I-20 and other documentation of eligibility of and proof of employment.

Lastly, a completed form SS-5. You can get this form either in person at the SSA office or online on the SSA website.

One document can serve more than one purpose. For example, Your passport can serve as both your identification and proof of birth. All of these documents have to be original or notarized copies! The SSA office will return your documents to you.

You can find a list of Social Security offices on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website.

See here for further information.

How Long Does It Take to Get an SSN?

The processing time for an SSN application can vary, but it typically takes a few weeks. You will get your Social Security card in the mail once your application is processed, so make sure you give the SSA an accurate address.

Protecting your SSN

Your Social Security number is how the government and other agencies recognize you; thus, it is VERY important to this safe. If your SSN is stolen, your identity can be stolen. I cannot even begin to say what a hassle this is. Luckily, this has not happened to me, and hopefully never, but it has happened to people around me, and this is a kettle of fish you do not want. It is essential that you are very careful with your SSN. When I first got my Social Security card, I was told to keep a copy of this and my visa/work authorization in my wallet. Well, if my wallet was stolen, I was toast. The thieves had access to my SSN. DO NOT DO THIS.

Here are some other tips for protecting your Social Security number

Store your original card somewhere safe.
Do not share your Social Security number with anyone you do not trust.
Be careful about what information you put online and which websites you enter your social security number into.
You can put a freeze on your credit at all three credit bureaus to minimize the risk of someone opening a credit card or completing a financial transaction in your name. You will have to unfreeze it whenever you apply for a new credit card or for a mortgage. This is what I have done.
Some people say this is overkill, but I shred any documents that contain my Social Security number before I throw them away. Shred your documents.

Getting a Social Security number is an important step for many people who live in the United States. It allows you to work legally, access government services, and build a better life for yourself and your family. Following the steps outlined in this blog should help make this process smooth.

I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.