Social Security Number

Social Security Number is the number assigned to the citizens, non citizens and foreign workers of the US. Social Security Number offers you several social benefits, government services, and also for taking loans, credit cards, etc.

Social Security Number and card can be availed by submitting a completed application for a Social Security Card, form SS-5. The document that has to be accompanied includes proof of US citizenship or immigrant status, age and identity. US birth certificate, US passport, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, and US consular report of birth. Form I-551, I-94 (along with unexpired passport) and I-766 or I-688B (work permit card) can be shown as a proof your immigration status.

As far as proof of age is required, birth certificate is preferred or otherwise you can show your passport. You can show employee ID card, school ID card, marriage document, Health insurance card, US military ID card, Adoption decree or life insurance policy to establish your identity. It is essential to note that the Social Security Number is free of application cost.

Social Security Number can also be availed for children. It can be done either when your child is born or when it is older. Children above 12 years of age must appear for an interview at the social security office.

Any change in name must be immediately intimated to the Social Security to avoid financial hassle. You can get your name corrected by showing any of the following documents: marriage document, divorce decree, certificate of naturalization, or a court order for a change of name. The same is applicable to any other vital details in the Social Security Number and card.

Every year your Social Security Number is updated with the Wage and Tax statement, W-2 which your employer sends to the Social Security. In case of loss or theft or mutilation of Social Security card, you can get it replaced free of cost. The procedures for getting a replacement includes form SS-5, identity proof, US citizenship or immigration status, etc and your new card will have the same Social Security Number.

Never share your social security number information with anyone. It is up to your discrimination to disclose the social security number or hand over the card even if asked by someone. Always enquire why someone requires your social security number, what if you do not agree to disclose the number and what law stresses to disclose the number for a particular purpose.