Social Security Frequently Asked Questions

I applied for SSN two months back, I still didn’t receive it; what do I do?
If you do not receive the SSN card in a timely manner, return to the Social Security Administration office, where you applied or call the toll-free 1-800-772-1213 number. Do NOT apply for a second one.

I am in US and please tell me when can I apply for SSN?
It is recommended that International applicants should wait for 10 days after their arrival to the U.S. before applying for the SSN.

Do I need a SSN before I start working?
You don’t need a SSN before you start work; your employer might agree to use your immigration documents and a letter from SSN office that you have applied for an SSN card as a proof.

I am ineligible to obtain Social Security Number. Is there any other substitute for SSN?
You can obtain Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from Internal Revenue Services (IRS) as a substitute for SSN. For purposes other than employment, social security benefits, or immigration status you can use ITIN.

I lost my SSN; what do I do?
To get a Social Security Number or a replacement card, you must prove your U.S. Citizenship or Immigration Status, age, and identity. If you are an U.S. Citizen, Social Security Administration office must see your:

• U.S. driver’s license;
• State-issued non-driver Identity Card; or
• U.S. Passport.

If you do not have these specific documents or cannot get a replacement for them within 10 days, they will ask to see other documents, including:

• Employee ID card;
• School ID card;
• Health Insurance Card (not a Medicare card);
• U.S. military issued ID; or
• Adoption decree.

If you are not a U.S. Citizen, Social Security Administration office must see your current U.S. Immigration documents. Acceptable documents from the Department of Homeland Security includes your:

• Form I-551 (includes machine-readable immigrant visa with your unexpired foreign passport);
• I-94 with your unexpired foreign passport; or
• Work Permit Card (I-766 or I-688B).

I am in U.S. with a SSN and I recently got married. How do I change my name in SSN card?
If you need to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show proof of your legal name change. Documents Social Security office may accept to prove a legal name change are your:

• Marriage Document, or
• If divorced, Divorce decree specifically stating you may change your name, or
• Certificate of Naturalization showing a new name; or
• Court order for a name change.

If documents you provide for a legal name change do not give enough information to identify you (Date Of Birth or Age), then you also must show two identity documents:

• One document with your old name; and
• A second document with your new legal name.

In addition to your name, these documents must contain identifying information (Date of Birth or age) or a recent photograph.

I am on H4 visa and had a ITIN, now I have transferred my status to H1 and am eligible for SSN; What do I do?
You have to notify the IRS about the change of status and then apply for SSN with local Social Security office.

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