The International AutoSource Blog

How to Obtain a Social Security Number

A Social Security Number (SSN) is the most highly used identification number in the US. Every citizen is provided with a SSN by the Social Security Administration, an agency under the United States government. Although originally used for tax purposes and tracking Social Security benefits, the SSN is now the unofficial national identification number for any US citizen.

Generally, only noncitizens that are authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get a Social Security number. Social Security numbers are used to report an individual's wages to the government and to determine a person's eligibility for Social Security benefits. You need a Social Security number to work, collect Social Security benefits and receive some other government services. There is no charge for a Social Security number and card.

A SSN is a very important piece of information as it is someone's main source of identity in the US. Always keep your number confidential and avoid giving it out unnecessarily. You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with other important papers and not carry it with you unless you need to show it to an employer or service provider.

Here are some helpful links for more information:

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10002.html#how -how to get a SSN and card

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10096.html - for noncitizens

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10107.html - for foreign workers