Each U.S. worker and taxpayer is required to have a Social Security number issued by the Social Security Administration. This unique nine-digit number is registered in the computer system which is used by the government, school, or businesses to identify people. It is also used to avail for benefits or compensation and other services of the government. The first three numbers are designated for the state where you reside during the time you applied for the Social Security number, while the last four digits are assigned numbers in numerical progression. Since this Social Security number is very important as it sorts of represent your identity and will stay for the rest of your life, here are the steps on how to apply for Social Security.
- The first thing to do is to obtain Form SS-5 online or at the nearest Social Security office. If you are going to print the form, be sure to use blue or black ink in a 8.5″ x 11″ white paper. Otherwise, the only acceptable alternative size of paper is A4 or 8.25″ x 11.7″.
- Read the instructions that can be found in the form.
- Together with the application form, prepare for original supporting documents to verify U.S. citizenship or immigration status, age, and identity. For U.S. citizenship, you can present your U.S. birth certificate, U.S. consular report of birth, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. For those who are not U.S. citizen, allowed documents are Form I-551 with your unexpired foreign passport, I-94 with your unexpired foreign passport, or work permit from the Department of Homeland Security. For proof of age, again birth certificate is the most appropriate, but other documents such as passport are also allowed. Documents to prove identity include U.S. driver’s license, non-driver identification card issued by the state, or U.S. passport. Other documents should be shown in case you do not have the specific materials to prove your identity like employee ID, school ID, marriage contract, health insurance card, U.S. military, adoption decree, or life insurance policy. Certified copies issued by the agency are also accepted if original documents are not available.
- You can then send your application form and original records through mail and the Social Security office will just return your documents as soon as they are finish with their necessary checks. But if you want to make sure that your application materials are safe or you are a first time applicant age 12 or older, you must personally bring them directly to the nearest local Social Security office.
- Your number and card will be sent through mail as soon as all the application documents have been verified by the Social Security office.
- Remember that obtaining a Social Security number and card is free.