Getting a Social Security number in the USA
Social security
Expats arriving in the United States will need a Social Security number before getting a job and receiving some government services. Employers will use your Social Security number to report your earnings to the government, and in this way it is similar to the National Insurance number in the UK. If you are not an American citizen and do not want to work in the US, you may not need a Social Security number, and in general you can only get a Social Security number if you are authorized to work in the US.
Some businesses, such as credit companies and banks, will ask for your Social Security number, but most can identify you by some other means if you ask. You will not need a number in order to get a driver’s license, register children for schools, or to get private health insurance.
You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place, but it is possible to get a replacement should you lose this card.
How can I get a Social Security number and card?
There are two ways to get a Social Security number:
- You can apply before you depart for the United States when filing an application for an immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State, or
- You can visit a Social Security office in person on arrival in the US. There are office in all towns and cities. You should wait at least ten days after arriving in the US before applying at a Social Security office to allow time for your DHS (Department of Homeland Security) documents to be available online. There is no charge for a Social Security number.
Useful resources:
The Official Website of the U.S. Social Security Administration: www.ssa.gov/pubs/10096.html
immihelp.com: www.immihelp.com/nri/ssn-social-security-number.html
