Social security card
The Social Security Card is a blue paper card with your name on it and a special identification number on it called Social Security Number. You never change your SSN, it stays with you for a lifetime.
You are required to apply for your Social Security Number (SSN) when you start your first job. SSN are issued by the Social Security Administration.
Some background
Generally, the term social security describes a United States government program established in 1935 that provides old age, disability insurance, as well as supplemental security income for elderly or disabled people.
In the United States, employers and employees are required to pay Social Security taxes. The money raised from these taxes primarily goes to providing benefits for those who have reached retirement age.
The original and essential purpose of SSNs (Social Security Numbers) is to keep track of the money you put into the Social Security program so that you can get the benefits you're entitled to. The government needs lifelong, unique identity numbers to keep track of people's payments throughout an entire working life, no matter how often we move or change occupations or even change our names. This seems a good idea, since you aren't allowed to change your SSN, even though you might change your address, your name, or your phone number.
For the first few decades that SSN cards were issued, they carried the admonition: "Not to be used for Identification." Unfortunately there was never any law passed instituting this as a policy. They have become a widely used identifier which can be used to link multiple records together about a single individual. Many institutions, including hospitals and banks use client's SSN as a secure representation of their identity. Even more, the SSN acts as a global personal identity number. Every financial information (bank accounts, credit cards and credit information, tax information), personal information (where did you live, your ID number, Drivers License number), legal information (convictions, driving background) about you is recorded and everything is linked to your SSN and might become accessible by knowing your SSN.
Steps to get a new SS card
Important: In order to be able to get a SSN you have to be a US citizen or have a work permit. No SSN are issued without a working permit. More on work permits at the Immigration section.
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Locate the Social Security Office in your area here. http://www.ssa.gov/regions/regional.html |
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Stop by your local office to get an application or download a printable application from the Social Security Administration Web site. http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html |
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Bring the application and supporting documents to your local office in person. The application cannot be sent by mail. You will also need a document that proves your age and who you are. This includes Passport, Birth certificate, Driver's license, Marriage or divorce record, Military records, Employer ID card, Adoption record, Insurance policy, School ID card are all other forms that can be used for identification. They must be original documents or certified copies of the documents. You will need to provide an address where your card can be sent. If you do not have a permanent home address, use your work address or a friend's address. |
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Wait for your card. You will receive the card by mail in a few weeks usually not more than two. |
Types of Social Security cards
There are 3 types of Social Security Cards:
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This type allows them to work without restriction. Shows the person's name and number. |
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The last type is for people who are admitted by the INS to work temporarily for a limited period of time. On this card, it says, "Valid for work only with INS authorization." |
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The next one is for people who are legally not admitted to work, but need a SSN for tax reporting purposes. On the card, it says "Not valid for employment." |
Using Fake Social Security Numbers
Because the immigration possibilities for some people are quite limited, I know some of you who plan to stay in the US might become quite desperate and start thinking for alternate solutions. My suggestion is DON'T do it. Don't mess with fake SSNs. If anyone is approaching you or recommending you to get you a valid SSN for some money run away! You can get into SERIOUS trouble. It is not only against the law, but you can get in big trouble fast.
The reason why I am telling you this is because with a fake SSN you won't get far anyway. All the banks or other governmental or financial institutions are linked to the Social Security Administration database and they do check the validity of the SSNs. When you open a bank account they check your SSN. And if it turns out you used a fake SSN you can be banned from the US forever, or for a long-long time.
Magyar