Social Security Number (SSN)

What it is

• A Social Security Number (SSN) is an identification number assigned to every U.S. resident for life. Your identity and financial history in the U.S. are tied to this number. Government agencies, landlords, and financial institutions will ask you to provide this number when they need to check your background, credit score, and financial reliability. The sooner you receive an SSN, the easier your resettlement will be. You can and should receive an SSN for each family member, even for newborn children. 

• Your SSN is assigned for life, so please make sure to keep it private – only share it with government agencies, financial services organizations, and your employers. Do not post it online or share it with anybody you do not trust. Please also keep the paper document with the number in a safe place – if you lose it it may be complicated to restore.

How to get it

There are two ways to apply for SSN:

1. At the Social Security Administration (this will take roughly 2 weeks, so we recommend it). Fill out an application SS-5 and bring it to the nearest office of the Social Security Administration along with your passport and I-94. Please also print out and bring a copy of this document. In about two weeks, you will receive your Social Security Card by mail.

2. Through an application for Employment Authorization (this will take roughly 1 to 4 months, so we do not recommend it). When filling out your application for Employment Authorization (see more information on that below), request a new Social Security Card by checking the corresponding boxes. When the USCIS approves your application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765), it will pass your information to the Social Security Administration which will issue and mail you a Social Security Card. Please note that this process takes 1-4 months so we recommend you follow the first process to get your SSN. 

Myth
I have a child, they are not going to work any time soon. I do not have to apply for an SSN for them.

Reality
Your child will not be working but they do need a SSN for a couple of reasons. First, in order for you to receive the Child Tax Credit (a tax break given to families with qualifying children), your child needs to have an SSN. Second, in some instances, the welfare office requires the child to have it. Similar to yourself, you can get an SSN for your child either through an SSA office or EAD application.

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