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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