A Guide To Getting A Social Security Number
A Guide To Getting A Social Security Number
If you decide to wait until later, you'll need to fill out an , the application form for a Social Security card, and bring it to your along with: At least two documents proving your child’s U.S. citizenship, age and identity. A birth certificate and passport will fully satisfy the requirements. For a list of other acceptable documents, see the Social Security pamphlet Proof of your identity, such as a driver's license, passport or state-issued ID card. All documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies or notarized copies will not be accepted.
If the child is 12 or older, he or she must appear at a Social Security office for an interview. Local offices after being closed to walk-in traffic for more than two years due to the , but Social Security recommends calling in advance and scheduling an appointment to avoid long waits. Non-U.S. citizens can get a Social Security number provided they are in the country legally. If you have permanent residency, you’ll be issued the same type of Social Security card that citizens get. You will need to show proof of identity and your authorization from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to live and work in the country. Two types of limited Social Security numbers are available to noncitizens who do not have permanent residency: If you have temporary permission to live and work in the United States, you can get a Social Security card stamped “valid for work only with DHS authorization." If you do not plan to work but need a Social Security number for another reason — for example, to apply for government benefits or services — your card will be stamped "not valid for employment." Incoming immigrants can apply for a Social Security number from their home country as part of the visa application process. If you are already in the United States, you will need to visit a Social Security office. The pamphlet has more information on how, when and where to apply.
How to get a Social Security number
If you have a child in the United States, he or she can get a Social Security number (SSN) virtually at birth. At the hospital, while giving information for the birth certificate, you can simultaneously apply for the baby’s Social Security number. You'll be asked for both parents’ Social Security numbers, but if you don't have them you can still apply.If you decide to wait until later, you'll need to fill out an , the application form for a Social Security card, and bring it to your along with: At least two documents proving your child’s U.S. citizenship, age and identity. A birth certificate and passport will fully satisfy the requirements. For a list of other acceptable documents, see the Social Security pamphlet Proof of your identity, such as a driver's license, passport or state-issued ID card. All documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies or notarized copies will not be accepted.
If the child is 12 or older, he or she must appear at a Social Security office for an interview. Local offices after being closed to walk-in traffic for more than two years due to the , but Social Security recommends calling in advance and scheduling an appointment to avoid long waits. Non-U.S. citizens can get a Social Security number provided they are in the country legally. If you have permanent residency, you’ll be issued the same type of Social Security card that citizens get. You will need to show proof of identity and your authorization from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to live and work in the country. Two types of limited Social Security numbers are available to noncitizens who do not have permanent residency: If you have temporary permission to live and work in the United States, you can get a Social Security card stamped “valid for work only with DHS authorization." If you do not plan to work but need a Social Security number for another reason — for example, to apply for government benefits or services — your card will be stamped "not valid for employment." Incoming immigrants can apply for a Social Security number from their home country as part of the visa application process. If you are already in the United States, you will need to visit a Social Security office. The pamphlet has more information on how, when and where to apply.