Federal Benefits

Social Security

Social Security numbers are issued only to United States citizens and legally admitted resident aliens (green card holders). Immigrating aliens generally secure a number after lawful admission to the U.S. Typical processing time for applications filed in the United States is approximately 5-10 days.

To secure a Social Security number, an application Form SS-5 must be completed. A passport or green card and a certified copy of a birth record established before age 5 must be presented. Cards should be received from the Social Security Administration in Baltimore within three months of completing the application process. For first time applicants age 12 or over who were born in the United States, the Social Security Administration is required to verify the birth certificate presented in evidence with the Registrar of the State of birth. This delays issuance of cards for six months or more.

U.S. citizens registering a child as a citizen through the Consular Report of Birth Abroad may also file a Social Security number for that child. Parents filing an application for a child’s number are required to provide their own Social Security numbers if they have one. The parent signing the applications must also provide identification such as their passport or green card.

Non-resident aliens requiring a number for purposes of filing a U.S. tax return must file a Form W-7 Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) with the Internal Revenue Service.

Individual States may require a Social Security number for record keeping purposes. Aliens may not have a Social Security number issued for these purposes unless required by State or local law, which conforms with Federal law.

Aliens not otherwise entitled to a number and planning on attending school in the United States may be asked for a Social Security number by the school. This is for record keeping purposes and is not authorized by Federal law. The school should be asked to assign its own internal number.

If a Social Security number is required to conduct business with a U.S. bank or financial institution and Federal law does not otherwise allow the issuance of a number, ask the Internal Revenue Service for a Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status.

More information is available on the Internet at www.ssa.gov.