Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Numbers
What is a Social Security Number, and why do I need one?
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number that every U.S. citizen is given by the government in order to keep track of their lifelong earnings and the number of years you have worked. It is also a key piece we need to get you to work!
When it comes time to retire, or if you ever need to receive Social Security disability income, the government uses the information about your contributions to Social Security throughout your working years to determine your eligibility and calculate your benefit payments.
Most people will use the same SSN their entire lives. Only provide your SSN when necessary, such as to employers, financial institutions, or on loan applications. You want to keep your Social Security card somewhere safe. Do not carry your card around with you in your wallet or in your car. If your card is stolen or lost, you need to report it and reapply for a new one.
When will I receive my social security number?
It should take two weeks after entering the United States to receive your number and card. Typically, your entrance into the US with your Visa will automatically trigger the issuance of your SSN.
Five days after relocation, it is important for you to reach out to the
local Social Security office about your number, ensuring that it has been issued and your card is on the way to the Interstaff office. Sometimes mistakes happen and your number is not automatically issued when entering the US, so the office will ask you to come in and reapply at the local office.
Why five days? It usually takes five days for an individual to show up in the system that allows them to check to see if the number has been issued.
Sometimes offices will give you the number over the phone, or tell you to come in into the office to receive the number in person. This is helpful and important! The sooner we get the number, the sooner you get to work!
Action Steps You Can Take
Unfortunately, the Social Security process is never flawless, mistakes happen, and things get delayed and are out of our control. That’s why, after relocation, it is important for you to stay on top of receiving your SSN by:
- Calling the office to ensure your number has been issued. This happens five days after arrival in the US
- Asking the representative on the phone to share your number with you (they may ask you to visit the office)
- Visiting the office if the representative says you need to reapply OR to be told your number in person
- Sharing the social security number with the Interstaff team as soon as you receive it
When do I need to use my social security number?
There are many uses and purposes for the SSN. As some of you may have already learned, your SSN is used for credit scores, opening a bank account, getting a loan, getting a driver's license or passport, on your tax return, and more.
Below are some common scenarios where you WILL need to provide your Social Security Number:
- When opening an account with any US financial institution: Since 1970, the federal government has required banks to obtain customers’ Social Security numbers. Financial institutions use your SSN to check your credit and report your required financial information to the IRS, and to manage your account.
- When applying for a federal loan: The government will use your SSN to make sure you’re eligible when you apply for a federal loan, such as a federal student loan. For example, to qualify for federal student loans, you must not be in default on another federal loan.
- When applying for certain types of public assistance: Public assistance programs, such as unemployment benefits or Social Security disability income, are usually managed by federal or state government agencies that use SSNs to identify people and make sure they aren’t claiming benefits that they aren’t entitled to.
- On your tax return: The IRS uses this number to match the income you report on your tax return to the income your employer and financial institutions report having paid to you. Also, you’ll need to provide your child’s SSN to claim your child as a dependent on your tax return.
- When applying for a U.S. passport: Federal law requires you to provide a SSN when you apply for a U.S. passport. This may be relevant if you have a child born here in the U.S. If you don’t have an SSN, expect delays in processing your application. If you have been issued one but don’t provide it, you could be fined $500.
- To get a driver’s license: If you have a SSN, you will provide it when applying for a license
When should I avoid using my social security number?
Federal law basically lets anyone ask for your Social Security number, but that doesn’t mean you need to give it out. You should use your Social Security number as infrequently as possible. Just because someone asks for it doesn’t mean they truly need it. There are sometimes benefits to giving your SSN (for your credit score when applying for housing, for instance), but in other situations, it is unnecessary. One place is the doctor's office; they might want it to keep track of your records, but it is not needed.
You also shouldn’t carry your Social Security card around with you unless you will be using it for a specific purpose that day, such as when you’re filling out paperwork to start a new job, and you have to show it to your employer as proof of citizenship.
You don’t want to risk losing your card or having it stolen since thieves can use this number, in combination with your other personal data, to apply for credit, take out loans, get a job, or even get health care in your name, creating an identity theft problem for you to clean up. Similarly, you should keep any documents that contain your SSN, such as your tax returns, in a secure place.