Social Security Card

Social Security Number
A 9-digit number given to citizens, permanent residents and temporary residents is called a Social Security Number. This number is issued by the Social Security Administration which is an agency of the U.S. Federal Government. This is codified as 42 U.S.C. 405(c)(2). Currently, this has turned out to be a de facto national identification number. The main intention of issuing this number is to identify individuals for taxation purpose. The number can be obtained by applying on Form SS-5 which is an "Application for a Social Security Number card".

Types of Social Security Cards
There are three different kinds of social security cards. The usual one contains the cardholder's name and number. These cards are issued to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. There are two restricted types of Social Security Cards. These are:

• "Not valid for employment" : These cannot be used as a proof of work authorization. These are not acceptable as a List C document on the I-9 form.
• "Valid for work only with DHS (Department of Homeland Security) authorization" : These are given to those people who have a temporary work authorization in the U.S. These can be used to satisfy the I-9 requirement in case they are accompanied by a work authorization card.

Application procedure
For this it is essential to fill a form SS-5. The original documents that prove the citizenship or immigration status, age, work eligibility and identity have to be furnished. This application and original documents have to be submitted to the local Social security office. For the U.S. Citizenship only the U.S. consular report of birth, U.S. birth certificate, Certificate of naturalization or citizenship or the U.S. Passport can be submitted. For those who are not citizens, the current U.S. immigration documents are essential. These are the Form I-551 (machine readable immigrant visa with the unexpired foreign passport), I-94 with the unexpired foreign passport or the Work permit card from the unexpired foreign passport. For age, either the birth certificate or other documents like the passport are required. For purposes of identity, the document must be current i.e. not expired. It should bear the name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph. The Social Security asks for a U.S. driver's license, state-issued nondriver identification card or U.S. passport to prove the identity. In case the person does not have the specific documents, other documents like the Employee ID card, School ID card, Marriage document, Adoption decree, U.S. military ID card, Health insurance card and Life Insurance policy may also be furnished.

All these documents have to be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies or notarized copies of documents cannot be accepted. Sometimes one document may be utilized for dual purposes. Like the U.S. passport is the proof of the citizenship and the identity. This procedure need not be performed before one starts work. The Internal Revenue Service needs employers to report wages. So, till the time the Social security number is granted, the employer can use a letter that states that the application has been made. The employer can use the immigration documents as evidence of the authorization to work in the United States.

This number makes the person eligible for Social security benefits and other government services. Some businesses like banks and credit companies also ask for the number. It is a good practice to apply for a number when a baby is born. This can be done when the application for the baby's birth certificate is made. The state agency that furnishes birth certificates also share's the child's information. To obtain a Social security number and card there is no charge. If anybody tries to impose some charge for obtaining it, the applicant can contact the office or Inspector General hotline.