Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique number issued to US citizens, Permanent Residents, and to certain foreign nationals who meet the eligibility criteria. In the 1930s, the first Social Security Number was issued, and the federal government mandated that all legal residents and citizens of US must have a valid Social Security Card. The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues Social Security Numbers (SSN) to applicants who meet the criteria. Show SSN is a nine-digit number divided into three parts. The first three numbers generally indicate the area numbers: the state of residence at the time the person applied for his or her first card; the middle two digits of the SSN, the group numbers which range from 01 through 99, merely serve to break the numbers into blocks of convenient size and the last four characters, the serial numbers ranging from 0001 through 9999 represent a straight numerical progression of assigned numbers. Importance of SSNA Social Security Number (SSN) issued by Social Security Administration, is a number issued to citizens, permanent residents, temporary (working) residents and foreign citizens in the United States. It is generally needed for employment purposes. If you plan to work, have an assistantship, or get a driver's license, you must have a Social Security Number. Primary Purposes of SSN:
Applying for SSN
Following documents are required to apply for an SSN:
Once you have collected all the required documents, submit your completed application and documents in person to your nearest local Social Security office. Persons of age 12 or older applying for an original Social Security number card must appear for an interview at a Social Security office. All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies or notarized copies of documents are not accepted.
Only non-citizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can apply for a Social Security number. Following documents are required to apply for an SSN:
Once you have collected all the required documents, take your completed application and documents to your nearest local Social Security office. Persons of age 12 or older applying for an original Social Security number card must appear for an interview at a Social Security office. All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies or notarized copies of documents are not accepted.
Cost of SSN:There is no charge for a Social Security number and card. Types of Social Security Cards:There are three types of Social Security cards which show your name and Social Security number.
Processing TimeSSA needs to verify your documents with DHS before they assign a Social Security number to you. Most of the time, SSA can verify your documents quickly with DHS online; however, if your documents cannot be verified online, it may take DHS several weeks to respond to SSA’s request. Can I start working without SSN?SSA does not require you to have a Social Security number before you start work. However, the Internal Revenue Service requires employers to report wages using a Social Security number. While you wait for your Social Security number, your employer can use a letter from SSA stating that you applied for a number. Your employer may use your immigration documents as proof of your authorization to work in the United States. Contacting Social SecurityFor more information about Social Security Administration, you may visit www.socialsecurity.gov. |