General Information About Social Security: The Social Security system was set up in the 1930s to provide financial assistance to the disabled and elderly. Employers and employees are required to pay social security taxes to contribute to this fund. Each United States citizen and permanent resident,
or Green Card holder, has a unique social security number in order to maintain records of the funds being
established, as well as to allocate benefits to those who are entitled to receive them.
The
Social Security Card Application Guide is an informative and
comprehensive guide to Social Security and contains everything an individual
needs to know about applying for this important documentation.
Some temporary visitors, students and workers on non-immigrant visas are also
allowed and sometimes required to obtain a Social Security number. The Social
Security card is a very important document in the United States. Not only does
it entitle individuals to certain benefits once retired, but employers, banks,
schools and the USCIS all use the social security card as a form of
identification. Social Security is a complex system that is linked to many other
government and private databases and services.
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
This product and this website are not approved, endorsed or
authorized by the SSA (Social Security Administration), the Center for Medicare
or Medicaid Services, or the Department Health and Human Services. We don't have
any connection or authorization from the SSA or from any other government
organization. The use of the words "Social Security", "Social Security Cards,"
"Social Security Number Application," "Social Security system," "Social Security
Number," and the use of any sample images of social security cards are used only for
informational purposes and by no means indicate any approval, endorsement, or
authorization from the SSA. |
Social Security Card Eligibility Requirements:
Any person seeking employment in the United States needs a Social Security number and a Social Security Card. A Social Security number is also required when filing taxes. Not everyone is eligible to receive a Social Security card. Social Security cards are usually only issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents,
or Green Card holders, and individuals with permission to work in the United States. However, there are 2 types of social security cards that are issued to foreigners without work authorization, as well as foreign students and individuals on temporary visas. These Social Security Cards contain one of the following restrictions printed on them.
VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION
NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT
Important: Individuals who are not
eligible to obtain a Social Security Number can apply for
ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).
The Social Security Card Application Guide contains:
- Overview of the Social Security system
- Purpose of Social Security
- Why obtain a Social Security Number
- Eligibility information for U.S. citizens and permanent residents (Green Card holders)
- Eligibility information for temporary workers, students and visitors
- The differences between the types of Social Security cards issued to
foreigners
- How to apply for a Social Security number as a part of the immigration process
- How to apply for a Social Security number after arrival to the United States
- Social Security number application requirements
- Description of application process
- Information about ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number
- Contact information for the Social Security Administration and IRS
- How to obtain free Social Security application forms
