How to File for a Social Security Number
Social Security numbers were introduced in 1936 merely to identify participants in the then-new Social Security retirement and disability benefits program. In the decades since then, they have become the closest thing the United States has to a national ID number. Applying for a Social Security number involves filling out a form, gathering the proper identification documents and going to a local Social Security office.
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Significance
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In most cases, you can't work in the United States without a Social Security number, commonly abbreviated as "SSN." Obviously, you need an SSN to collect Social Security benefits, but it's also necessary for accessing other government benefits. Further, you must have an SSN to file your taxes--and every member of your household whom you claim as a dependent must have one, too, including infants.
Application
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Download Form SS-5, "Application for a Social Security Card," from the Social Security Administration website linked in the Resources. You can fill out most of the form on your computer and then print it. Alternatively, you can just print the empty form and fill it out in blue or black ink. Note that the same form can be used to apply for a Social Security number for the first time, or to apply for a replacement card. If you're applying for a number for the first time, leave blank the area for "Other Names Used on Your Social Security Card" in Section 1, as well as for the previous Social Security number in Section 2. Parents and legal guardians of minor children can fill out and sign the form on their behalf.
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Identification
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To process the application, the Social Security Administration must see proof of citizenship, age and identity.
Acceptable evidence of citizenship includes a U.S. birth certificate or, for citizens born abroad, a consular report of birth; a U.S. passport; or a certificate of naturalization. If you are a noncitizen and need an SSN, you can use certain immigration documents, such as Form I-551, Form I-94 with a foreign passport, or a Department of Homeland Security work permit card.
For evidence of age, the Social Security Administration prefers a birth certificate. However, if you don't have access to yours, it will consider other supporting documents.
The preferred forms of evidence of identity are a U.S. driver's license, a state-issued nondriver ID card or a passport. If you have none of these, the administration may ask to see other forms of identification, such as an employee ID, school ID, military ID card or health insurance card.
Presentation
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To file for an SSN, you must take the completed application and supporting documents to a local Social Security office. See the link in the Resources for an online office locator. Anyone age 12 or older who is filing for an SSN must appear in person at a Social Security office. This is true even if a parent or guardian is the one actually handling the application.
Newborns
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If you need an SSN for a newborn, you can usually apply for the number at the hospital at the same time as you apply for a birth certificate. No supporting documentation is necessary in these cases because the hospital can attest to the baby's age, identity and citizenship. If you don't apply at the hospital, however, you'll need to go through the regular process.
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References
Resources
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