Everything you need to know about the US Social Security Number

If you want to live and work in the United States, you have probably heard of the Social Security Number. Every US citizen and every permanent resident of the States has one of these Social Security identification numbers.

The US SSN matters for far more than Social Security, though, including your annual tax return. In this article you'll learn the basics of the Social Security system and get everything you need to know about your Social Security ID.

1What is the US Social Security Number?

The Social Security Number is the US social security number. Can foreigners get one? Yes. The US government issues this nine-digit number to American citizens (including expats who don't live in the USA) and to other people who live and work in the United States. It is issued once and is valid for life.

The SSN is also a form of Taxpayer Identification Number (US TIN), in other words a US tax number; other types of TIN include the EIN for companies and the ITIN.

Until 2011, the first three digits of the Social Security Card were the Area Number, based on the US state where the card was applied for. The two digits after it sorted the cards into further categories.

The serial number comes last. Its four digits are assigned at random, much like a credit card number. Today the first five digits no longer have anything to do with geography. According to the Social Security authorities, the changes give holders extra protection and help prevent identity theft.

2Social Security in the USA: why does the Social Security Number matter?

What does SSN mean? SSN stands for "Social Security Number".

The SSN, or Social Security Card, is used for all sorts of things and serves as your ID with many US authorities. Besides benefits such as medical care and retirement, you also need it when you apply for a job in the USA.

Along with your name and contact details, the number is a standard part of every job application in the United States. Employers need the Social Security Number of all their employees to pay payroll tax directly to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to make sure taxable income is correctly matched to each person via the SSN.

2.1Benefits that need a Social Security Number

Apart from the holder's personal data, the Social Security Card mainly records a person's working life and their entitlement to Social Security benefits in retirement.

You also need a Social Security Number for other government programs such as Medicare, or when you take out health insurance with a US health insurance provider.

2.2Work & everyday life in the USA with a Social Security Number

It's not just employers and authorities who want to see your Social Security Card: banks and credit companies do too. The Social Security Number serves as an ID number for tax purposes, for opening bank accounts and for applying for a credit card.

The card is also essential for everyday things like renting or buying a home and signing all kinds of other contracts.

You normally need an SSN to get a driver's license, too.
Find out here how non-residents can get a US driver's license without an SSN.

2.3The SSN as protection for your identity

Finally, the Social Security Number is an important tool for protecting your identity against theft and fraud. The Social Security Administration tracks all activity on every SSN it issues and alerts you to suspicious activity, such as unauthorized use of your card.

Social Security Number stolen: what now?
Act fast to prevent misuse. To report a stolen Social Security Number and take the next steps, contact the relevant authorities right away, such as the Social Security Administration or a fraud hotline. You can usually do this by phone or online to report the theft and get further instructions.

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What the Social Security Card (SSC) is used for at a glance

You need your Social Security Number for:

• social security and insurance benefits (public ones such as Medicare and retirement, or private cover from your health insurance provider)

• employers, so you can work in the USA

• filing your US tax return

• opening a bank account

• buying property in the States

• renting an apartment in the USA

• setting up utilities and contracts such as phone, electricity, gas, etc.

Find out here how to open a US bank account without an SSN or ITIN, and here how to apply for a US credit card as a non-resident without an SSN.

4Requirements for a Social Security Number

To get an SSN and the card that goes with it, you must either be a US citizen or live in the USA.

People with temporary residence status must also present a work permit from USCIS along with the required documents for their Social Security Number.

Only in special cases is a Social Security Number issued to people who are not allowed to work in the States. The card then carries the note "not valid for employment".

We're happy to handle the application for a single document or for all the paperwork you need.

When do you need a Social Security Number as a European? Can you apply for one from your home country?

4.1ITIN instead of a Social Security Number: for US tax purposes only

If you don't live in the USA but have US income that is taxable there, you get an ITIN, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, instead of a Social Security Card. According to the IRS, it is used solely for US federal tax purposes. Beyond the Social Security Number, Mount Bonnell Advisors knows the ITIN application inside out and is happy to take care of it for you.

5How do you apply for a Social Security Number?

If you meet all the requirements, here's how you apply for your Social Security Number and card as a non-US citizen with a US visa:

1. with an immigrant visa or green card: you can apply for the Social Security Number together with your visa application, before you enter the country

2. with a nonimmigrant visa (such as the E-1, E-2, O visa or similar visas that allow you to work in the USA): you apply right after entering the USA by submitting Form SS-5 and the supporting documents at a Social Security Office

5.1Applying for your SSN in person in the USA

How do I get a Social Security Number? Applicants in the United States usually get an appointment at their local Social Security Office, where they hand in the documents for their card in person.

Can you apply for a Social Security Number online?
A new Social Security Number is normally not applied for online. To get your first number, anyone aged 12 or older must go to the relevant authority in person. In the USA that's the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can find an office near you with the Social Security Office Locator. The SSA also has offices abroad, for example in Frankfurt am Main, where you can apply as well.

To keep things smooth, bring the completed Form SS-5 along with proof of identity (such as a passport, driver's license or birth certificate showing your name, date of birth, etc.) and, if applicable, your work permit.

5.2Issuing the Social Security Number

Once your application is approved, the Social Security Administration (SSA) issues your personal Social Security Number, followed by the card itself. The card should arrive within a few weeks, and delivery is free.

Already in the US with your family, and does your visa entitle you to Social Security cards as described above? We are happy to help you file the required documents with the Social Security Administration so you get your numbers as fast as possible and can start using all the benefits.

6What your Social Security card looks like

The American Social Security card is a green paper card about the size of a bank card. Since it carries no photo and no personal details, it only works as proof of identity together with an ID card, passport or driver's license.

The details on the card vary slightly depending on whether you are a US citizen or permanent resident, or hold only a temporary US visa. Every card, however, shows your Social Security Number and your name. So if you're wondering "Where do I find my Social Security Number?", just look at your card, whichever version you have. That's also why you should always keep it somewhere safe.

6.1Three types of Social Security card:

1. A card with no additional notes, which lets US citizens and green card holders work without restriction.

2. A card marked "valid for work only with DHS authorization". This goes to people with temporary work authorization from the Department of Homeland Security.

3. A card marked "not valid for employment", issued to people who may live in the US but not work there (typically to care for family members living in the US, or similar).

7Lost or stolen Social Security Number

If you lose your card, it gets stolen or your Social Security Number is compromised in any way, act fast. First, contact one of the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on your file. That stops anyone from opening new accounts in your name with your SSN without extra identity checks.

Second, call the Social Security Administration directly and report that your number has been stolen. If needed, you will be assigned a new Social Security Number or issued a new card.

Don't forget to notify every financial institution (banks and so on) that holds your old Social Security details, so they can update their records.

8Why your Social Security Number matters

A Social Security Number is essential if you want to live and work legally in the United States. You need it not just for benefits and dealing with government agencies, but also to verify your identity, to work, for everyday life and for your annual tax return. File the right forms and documents, and getting your Social Security Number and card is straightforward, even if you are not a US citizen.

As with all personal documents, keep your SSN and card safe at all times to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud.

Mount Bonnell Advisors knows what matters when you apply for your Social Security Number, whether before or after your move to the US. We answer your questions about the number and gladly support you through every step, so your Social Security card is in your hands soon.

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In short

• The Social Security Number is the nine-digit US social security number. It is issued once, lasts for life and also serves as a form of US taxpayer identification number (TIN).
• You need it for your employer, your tax return, a bank account and credit card, renting a home and many contracts.
• US citizens and foreign nationals with residence and work authorization can get an SSN. With an immigrant visa, you can apply together with your visa application; otherwise, apply after arrival with Form SS-5 at a Social Security office.
• If you don't live in the US but have income taxable there, you get an ITIN instead of an SSN.
• If lost or stolen: place a fraud alert with a credit bureau, call the Social Security Administration, notify your banks.

How we help you

• ConsultationOne hour with the firm: your case, your questions, a clear answer.
• ITIN ExpressYour ITIN through our special procedure, no tax return needed.
• US Bank Account OpeningYour own access to the American financial system, even without an SSN.
• Credit BuilderCredit for your company and for you, built step by step.
• Visa and Green Card ConsultationWhich route to the USA fits you, settled in one conversation.