12/23/2022
As part of the series of reforms that the New Deal brought to the United States in the 1930s, after the devastation generated in the country by the Great Depression, the Social Security Administration (SSA) was created within the framework of the new Social Security Act and with it the Social Security Number (SSN).
But what is the Social Security Number, what is it for and, above all, how to get it? In this article we are going to explain all the details.
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What is the SSN in the United States?
SSN stands for Social Security Number and is an identifier that has been standardized as the primary means of determining the identity of citizens in the American Union.
Today, in addition to its original purpose, which is for the SSA and IRS to keep track of your work life and income, this number is used for many other purposes, such as applying for a loan, getting insurance, or enrolling in government programs such as Medicare.
It is a unique 9-digit numeric code issued to U.S. citizens, foreign nationals who are permanent residents of the country, and temporary residents who are working in the United States.
What is the Social Security Number for?
The SSN was originally created to identify citizens who contribute to Social Security and who pay taxes, being able to keep track of all these contributions throughout life in order to, among other things, be eligible for benefits and retirement programs.
Today, in addition to its original purpose, the Social Security Number is also used for many other things, being the method of identification used by most businesses to distinguish their customers.
Here are some of its alternative uses:
| Opening a bank account | Banks in the United States usually ask for SSNs from their customers in order to sign up for their products, starting with checking and savings accounts. |
| Applying for a personal loan or mortgage | Most lenders only offer financing to those who have one of these identification numbers. It is also possible to find other lenders that accept other documents, such as an ITIN. |
| Applying for public assistance programs | Obtaining unemployment benefits or government disability benefits can only be done if you have a Social Security Number. |
| Signing up for Medicare | This public health coverage program is only available if you have a SSN. |
| Sign up for a private insurance | Insurance companies usually require that customers who want to take out a policy have this type of identification in force. |
Who can apply for a Social Security Number?
The application for an SSN can be made by any citizen who meets one of these requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be a foreigner and reside legally in the United States, having a valid and current work contract.
- In the case of being a foreigner and not having a work authorization, you must demonstrate that you need the Social Security card for a purpose other than working in the United States.
In order to prove either of these conditions it will be necessary to present a series of documents that we detail in the following section.
How to get a Social Security Number?
In order to apply for a SSN in the United States, as long as you meet the above requirements, you must go to a Social Security office and submit a completed SS-5 form, which you can download here.
In addition, in order to prove your identity and employment status, you will need to provide a number of documents. You can also send all documents by mail or courier.
Documentation to obtain a SSN
In order to identify you, the Social Security Administration requires documents that will depend on each individual case, especially if you are a national or a foreigner.
To prove your age
Most commonly, you will need to provide a birth certificate, but other documents may also be valid, such as:
- Passport.
- Religious record created before the age of 5, showing the date of birth.
- Hospital birth record.
- Adoption document, if applicable.
To prove your identity
The SSA usually prefers some document issued in the United States to prove your identity, specifically to make sure that your name is your real name, as it will be shown on your Social Security card.
If you have citizenship or permanent residency you have multiple documents to choose from that you can provide, such as a driver's license, passport, Medicaid card, health insurance card, state ID, etc.
If you are a foreign national and do not have permanent residency, you will need to provide your passport with photo and your U.S. immigration documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Español: Qué es el SSN (Número de Seguro Social)?