|
The Social
Security Number (SSN) is used by government agencies, schools, and
businesses to identify people in their computer systems. It is a
very important identifying number and will stay with you for the
rest of your life. Every working person and taxpayer in the United
States must have a social security number.
The nine-digit
Social Security number is divided into three parts. The first three
numbers generally indicate the state of residence at the time a
person applies for his or her first card. The middle two digits
of a Social Security number have no special significance, but merely
serve to break the numbers into blocks of convenient size. The last
four characters represent a straight numerical progression of assigned
numbers.
Types
of Social Security Cards Issued
When
you receive a Social Security card, it will be one of three types:
- The first
type of card is the card most people have, and has been issued
since 1935. It shows the person's name and Social Security number,
and it lets the person work without restriction. SSA issues it
to U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens.
- The second
type of card bears the legend "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT."
SSA issues it to people from other countries who are lawfully
admitted to the United States without U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) work authorization, but who need a number because
of a federal, state or local law requiring a Social Security number
to get a benefit or service.
- SSA began
issuing the third type of card in 1992. It bears the legend "VALID
FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION." It is issued to people
who are admitted to the United States on a temporary basis with
USCIS (formerly INS) authorization to work.
The
Application Process
If you need
a Social Security number, want to replace your lost or stolen card,
or want a card showing your new name, you will need to file Form
SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) with your nearest
Social
Security office. This service is free. Forms are available online,
or at your nearest Social
Security office, or by calling Social Security's national toll
free number: 1-800-772-1213.
Read the instructions
on the form carefully. You will need to provide original supporting
documents, including proof of your lawful alien status, along with
the form. If you are age 18 or older and have never been assigned
a number before, you must apply in person. Otherwise, you
have a choice to send your application and supporting documents
by mail. In this case, the Social Security office will return your
documents to you. If you do not want to mail your original documents,
take them to the nearest Social Security office.
If you do
not have permission to work in the U.S., you will need to
provide a letter, on letterhead stationery (no form letters or photocopies),
from the government agency requiring you to get a number. The letter
must specifically identify you as the applicant, cite the law requiring
you to have a Social Security number, and indicate that you meet
all the agency's requirements except having the number.
If you are assigned
a number for non-work purposes, you cannot use it to work. If you
use it to work, the Social Security Administration may inform the
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The
information provided in this website is not legal advice and should
not be interpreted as legal advice. This website is intended to
provide a basic understanding of this information in summary form.
This information may not be comprehensive, is subject to change,
and may not apply to all individual circumstances. Any information
received here should be confirmed with the appropriate government
agencies or with an attorney, particularly as it relates to your
individual circumstances. Your use of this website indicates your
agreement to be bound by our Terms
of Use.
|
