MMost people don’t like the idea of being “tagged” with a number specific to their identity, but without a Social Security Number (SSN) in United States of America would make it almost impossible to do anything.
For those moving to the US from another country, it is important to obtain an SSN as soon as possible, as it will be used for all documentation while you settle into a new life in America.
How to get a social security number in the US?
Like the US government states, there is a long list of materials that anyone applying for an SSN for the first time must submit. The list is as follows:
- Application for a Social Security Card, Form SS-5. You can print the form from the SSA webpage to make sure you are using the most recent version.
- Your original birth certificate
- Your original consular report of birth abroad (if applicable)
- Your valid US passport (duly signed)
- A letter addressed to the Social Security Administration explaining why you did not apply for an SSN at an earlier age.
- Original Supporting Documents: If you did not apply for a Social Security number because you lived abroad, you must submit documents for each year you lived abroad. Examples of the types of original documents you can submit are school records, employment records, medical/dental records, tax returns, leases, bank statements, utility bills with your name on them, old ID cards issued abroad, etc. .
Is there a social security number interview?
Along with all the documentation listed above, a photocopy of each document is required to be included in the application form.
Applicants must then attend a personal interview to submit the documentation to the government.
Interviews are by appointment only and it may take up to four months for an application to be fully processed.