How to Apply For A Social Security Number?
The Social Security number (SSN) is of the utmost importance to US citizens and other immigrants within the United States. SSNs are used to report a person’s wages to the government and to determine a person’s eligibility for Social Security benefits. You need an SSN to work, collect Social Security benefits, and receive other government services. Many people think of Social Security as just a retirement program. Most of the people receiving benefits are retired, but others receive benefits because they’re:
- Someone with a qualifying disability.
- A spouse or child of someone getting benefits.
- A divorced spouse of someone getting or eligible for Social Security.
- A spouse or child of a worker who died.
- A divorced spouse of a worker who died.
- A dependent parent of a worker who died.
How can you get a Social Security Number?
To get a Social Security number you must prove your U.S. citizenship or immigration status, age, and identity. If you aren’t a U.S. citizen, you must show your immigration document proving work authorization.
To prove your identity and work-authorized immigration status, you have to show your current U.S. immigration documents and your unexpired foreign passport. Acceptable immigration documents include your:
- Form I-551 (Lawful Permanent Resident Card, Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa).
- Admission stamp showing a class of admission permitting work.
- Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record).
- Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document/EAD).
In the following link you can find the corresponding Form for this request: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf
You should NOT complete this application unless you are certain that you have an immigration status that allows you to qualify to apply for a social security number. Applying for a Social Security Number and card is free.
If you have any questions, give us a call: 804-408-3522.
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