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- Social Security System Overview
- Social Security Purpose Explained
- Why Social Security Numbers Should be Obtained
- Temporary Workers, Students and Visitors Eligibility
- Applying Instructions for a Social Security Number
- Application Requirements for a Social Security Number and Card
- ITIN Information for Individuals Who Are Not Eligible for a Social Security Number
- SSA and IRS Contact Information
- How to Obtain Social Security Application Forms
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Eligibility Requirements for a Social Security Card
A Social Security number
and a Social Security Card is required by any person seeking employment in the
United States. It is also required when filing taxes. Social Security cards are
usually only issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents (Green Card holders)
and individuals with permission to work in the United States and not everyone is
eligible to receive a Social Security card. Two types of social security cards
are issued to foreigners without work authorization, as well as foreign students
and individuals on temporary visas which contain one of the following
restrictions printed on them:
- VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION
- NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT
Social Security General Information
The Social Security system dates back to
the 1930s when it was established to provide financial assistance to the
disabled and elderly. Employers and employees are required contribute to this
fund by paying Social Security taxes. All United States citizens and permanent
residents (Green Card holders) have a unique social security number. This is in
order to maintain records of the funds being established, and also to allocate
benefits to those entitled to receive them.
Some workers on non-immigrant visas and temporary visitors and students are also
allowed (and sometimes required) to obtain a Social Security number. The Social
Security card is a very important document in the U.S. because it entitles the
individual to certain benefits once retired and also because employers, banks,
schools and the USCIS all use the social security card as a form of
identification. The Social Security system is linked to many other government
and private and databases and services in a complex arrangement.
Note: Individuals who are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number can apply for ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF THIS U.S. IMMIGRATION BOOK Our publications are available free of charge to any community organization or library located in the United States. Please contact us for more information.
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