Question
I am lawfully admitted to the US who is not allowed to work, but I still need a Social Security Number. How do I obtain one?
Answer
Many entities routinely ask for a person’s Social Security number under the assumption that everyone has one. However, if you are lawfully admitted to the U.S. but do not have work authorization, you must have a valid nonwork reason for needing a Social Security number before we can assign you one.
SSA will currently issue SSNs to noncitizens who are not otherwise eligible for SSNs for the following nonwork purposes:
- A Federal statute or regulation requires that the noncitizen provide his/her SSN to get the particular benefit or service; or
- A State or local law requires the alien to provide his/her SSN to get public assistance benefits to which the noncitizen has established entitlement.
NOTE: Effective October 27, 2003 we do not assign an SSN when your only reason for needing an SSN is to comply with a state statute requiring an SSN for the issuance of a driver’s license.
Under these circumstances the application for an SSN must be accompanied by documentation from the appropriate government entity explaining the need for the SSN. The documentation must be dated and on letterhead stationery. It must specifically identify the noncitizen, the nonwork reason for which an SSN is required, the relevant statute or regulation, and the name and telephone number of an official to contact so that the information provided may be verified. It should state that the noncitizen completed all the requirements to receive the benefit/service except for an SSN.
If you believe that you qualify for a Social Security Number based on the above, you may obtain an application from http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html.
To Apply for a Social Security Number--
• Download the form to apply for a Social Security card at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html; or
• Call or visit one of our offices to apply for a number (1-800-772-1213); and
• Provide original documents showing your age, identity and lawful alien status (including your permission to work in the U.S.). You must provide at least two documents.
If you’re a noncitizen, we must verify your documents with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) before we issue a SSN card. We will issue the card within two days of receiving verification from DHS. Most of the time, we can quickly verify your documents online with DHS. If DHS can’t verify your documents online, it may take several weeks or months to respond to Social Security's request. For more details, please see the answer to the Frequently Asked Question, How is SSA protecting Social Security numbers?
If you don't have permission to work, but still need a number for one of the reasons mentioned above, you must provide a statement on letterhead stationery from the government agency that is requiring you to provide an SSN. The letter must—
• specifically identify you as the applicant;
• cite the law requiring you to have a Social Security number; and
• indicate that you meet all the agency's requirements to get the benefit or service except for having an SSN.
If you are assigned a number for nonwork purposes, you can't use it to work. If you use it to work, we may inform DHS.