How To Get A Social Security Card
If you
are lawfully admitted to the U.S. to work, you will need to apply for
a social security number. A social security number offers proof of identity
for work purposes, and allows you to become eligible for retirement
benefits.
Even if
you are not working you will still need a social security number in
order to:
- enlist
in the U.S. military
In addition,
states and localities might require you to use your social security
number for:
- taxes
- general
public assistance
- driver
licensing
- motor
vehicle registration
To apply
for a social security number, you can obtain a form SS-5 to print out
in .pdf format from the following locations:
After filling
out the form, bring it to your local Social Security Office (find locations
online at https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp)
along with documents showing proof of the following:
- age
(birth certificate)
- identity
(i.d. card, passport or INS document)
- lawful
alien status (like a work visa, certificate of naturalization or citizenship,
or U.S. passport)
- If you
do NOT have permission to work, you also need an ORIGINAL letter printed
on letterhead from the government agency requiring you to get a number
If there
are no problems with your application, your social security card will
arrive within two weeks.
Useful
Links:
For more
information about obtaining Social Security Cards for newcomers to the
U.S., click here:
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10096.html
Helpful
consumer information on social security numbers, including privacy,
fraud and when you are required to give out your number:
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/fed_prog/ssnumber/ssnumber.htm
If you
are not otherwise eligible for a Social Security Card, but still need
an i.d. number for federal income tax purposes, you may apply for an
individual taxpayer identification number, or I.T.I.N., by filling out
form W-7 (W-7 en espanol aqui)
or having your "acceptance agent" (college, bank or accountant)
fill it out for you. Mail or send the completed form to the IRS' local
office or the main service center.
Learn more
about the I.T.I.N. by clicking here (IRS website)
If you
want to find out how much you have already contributed to your Social
Security retirement fund, you may receive a "Personal Earnings
and Benefit Statement" from SSA by making an online request or calling 1-800-772-1213.
