Social Security Number

A Social Security number (also sometimes known as a “SSN”) has become the ultimate identification number throughout the United States. The number is available to all United States citizens, noncitizens whose visa status allows him temporary work status and noncitizens who have a permanent resident status. Social Security numbers were initially issued following the passage of the Social Security Act of 1935, was a part of the New Deal legislation emphasized by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the midst of the Great Depression. Within just a short time, millions of individuals had been issued a SSN as a means of tracking their eligibility for the various retirement and other benefits now made available through the newly formed Social Security Administration.

How To Get a Social Security Number

For individuals who are United States citizens, infants and newborns can and should receive their Social Security number almost immediately. This was not always the case though. Prior to the year 1986 most individuals are eligible to receive a number until they were approximately 14 years old. By the time 1990 came the 14 year age limit was dropped to one year old and is even since been removed now to allow brand-new babies the chance to have their own number.

How To Apply For a Social Security Card

For individuals who have never been issued a Social Security number, or for those who have lost their Soc Sec card or need a duplicate card for some reason, you should fill out Social Security Form SS-5-FS.  The form is available through the Social Security Administration’s website and includes instructions on how to complete it.

Form SS-5-FS will require you to prove your identity, how old you are, and your current citizenship status or immigration status. To prove your age, any of the following documents will be accepted by the Social Sec Administration:

• A passport
• A final adoption decree issued by a court (make sure that the decree specifically states that the birth information contained in it is directly derived from the individuals original birth certificate)
• Any type of hospital record issued by United States-based hospital that establishes a record of your birth
• A record by a religious institution that was created before you were five years old showing what day you were born

To prove your identity under Form SS-5-FS you want to provide one of the following info:

• A drivers license issued within the United States
• A United States passport
• An identification card issued within the United States
• if you do not have any of these three items to prove your identity the Social Security Administration may accept a combination of other documents such as a employee identification card, a certified medical record, a school identification card, adoption decrees, or a Certificate of Naturalization, to show that you are who you say you are.

Finally, before you can get a Social Security number under Form SS-5-FS you’ll need to show that you’re either a US citizen or have a valid immigration status to be inside United States. To show United States citizenship you can use the same documents listed above to prove your identity. For noncitizens who have a valid immigration status to obtain a Social Security number you’ll need to prove that you have one of the following forms:

• Form I-551
• Form I-94
• Form I-688B
• I-766
• Form I-20, DS-2019, Form F-1 or J-1 (if you are an international student or exchange visitor)

After you have completed the Form SS-5-FS, you should submit it to the nearest Social Security office or through the mail to the address specified on Form SS-5-FS.

Sources: ssa.gov/online/ss-5fs.pdf

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