Social Security Number or SSN as it is popularly known is a unique 9 digit number issued by the U.S. government for U.S. citizens or some U.S. residents. Applying for Social Security Number is one of the first and important step to consider after you move to United States of America (USA). SSN is normally asked when you are opening a bank account or while purchasing a private insurance or while buying a house or a car. SSN will be asked by your employer to report your income to the Internal Revenue Service or to report your social security wages to Social security Administration. Below are the steps to be followed for obtaining Social Security Number (SSN).
Social Security Office is crowded most of the time. There will be a big queue even before the office opens. I highly recommend going early instead of waiting hours for your turn to submit an application. As of the date this post is written, appointments are not issued for new SSN applicants. Social Security offices are located at multiple locations. You can locate your nearby SSN office from SSN office locator. Download and fill the SSN Application form (SS-5) from Social Security or fill the physical form SS-5 available at Social security office. It is recommended to carry the below documents in original to Social Security office.
- Passport and Visa
- Employment Offer Letter
- Marriage Certificate (for dependants)
- Latest I-94
- Filled SSN Application form
- Address Proof (Lease agreement/ Letter from employer/ Letter from Bank etc)
- If you are a U.S. citizen then carry U.S. birth certificate
High security scrutiny is done before entering Social Security offices. So carry only the documents required for the application in a transparent bag for the hassle free security checks. Note : Mobile phones are allowed.
At the Social Security office, take separate tokens for you and your spouse. Wait for your token number to be called. Submit all the documents. They issue an acknowledgement number. Retain the acknowledge copy for any follow up. Wait for couple of weeks to get SSN through mail. Once you receive your SSN card, verify your personal details on it. Update SSN with your employer and bank.
Keep your Social Security Number confidential and Be careful about scammers calling you to avoid misuse of SSN. More details on relocating to USA can be found at this link.
