Social Security Guide

Social Security is the broad term for a range of financial benefits from the U.S. Federal Government available to virtually all those who work legally in the United States (including immigrants, nonimmigrants, legal aliens, foreign nationals, foreign workers). Most workers in the U.S. rely upon Social Security benefits at some time in their lives. It may be when they retire and receive retirement benefits; it may be during their working lives if they become disabled and are unable to work; or they may be eligible

With few exceptions, if you work in the United States, you need to have a Social Security Number (SSN) and pay Social Security taxes. The taxes are withheld by your employer and submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and if you are self-employed, you are responsible for submitting
the taxes to the IRS yourself.

If you are a legal alien (immigrant, nonimmigrant, foreign national, foreign worker) with
permission to work in the U.S. from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you
need a Social Security Number.

As you work and pay taxes, you earn Social Security credits and become eligible for Social
Security benefits, including Survivors Benefits, Disability Benefits, and Retirement Benefits.

Even if you do not work or have permission to work, state and local governments (in conformity
with federal law) may require you to have a Social Security Number / SSN to administer laws
related to taxes, driver’s licenses, motor vehicle registration, and general public assistance. Businesses, such as banks and doctors, may also rely upon Social Security numbers to identify
people in their computer systems.

Providing your Social Security Number / SSN to organizations other than the Social Security Administration does not give them access to your Social Security records. Nevertheless, you
should be careful about disclosing your Social Security Number and generally not use it as an identification card because of the dangers of identity theft. For example, stolen Social Security Numbers have been used to run up bills or obtain credit.

If you are eligible, it is possible to apply for Social Security Benefits and Cards overseas. U.S. embassies and consulates have personnel who have been specially trained to provide a full range
of Social Security services abroad. If you are a beneficiary planning to leave the U.S. to live
abroad, you should report your change of home address before you leave (even if your payments
are being sent to a bank).

If you are a worker who has divided your career between the United States and another country,
you may be protected from dual taxation, as well as have special benefit protections, based on
Social Security treaty agreements.

Why Should I Apply for a Social Security Number or Card? What Is a Social Security Card or Number?

A Social Security Card contains a unique number, a Social Security Number (SSN), issued to you by the Social Security Administration (SSA) after you complete an application.

The Social Security Number / SSN is used by government agencies, schools, and businesses to identify people in their computer systems. It is a very important piece of identification in the
United States, and the Social Security Number and Social Security Card should stay with you for
the rest of your life.

Every working person and taxpayer in the United States must have a Social Security Number /
SSN. You need a Social Security Number to get a job, collect Social Security benefits and receive some other government services. Many other businesses, such as banks and credit companies,
also ask for your Social Security Number, and in some cases ask to see your Social Security Card.
If you become authorized to work in the US, you want to get a Social Security Card immediately
(see below for how to apply for a Social Security Card / Social Security Number with the correct Social Security application form).

The Social Security Card Application Process
If you need a Social Security Number / SSN, want to replace your lost or stolen Social Security
Card, or want a card showing your new name, you may apply by filing Form SS-5 (Application for
a Social Security Card) with your nearest Social Security office. This service is free. Forms are available online, or at your nearest Social Security office, or by calling Social Security's national
toll free number: 1-800-772-1213.

Read the instructions on the Social Security application form carefully. You will need to provide original supporting documents, including proof of your lawful alien status, along with the Social Security application. If you are age 18 or older and have never been assigned a Social Security Number before, you must apply in person. Otherwise, you have a choice to send your Social
Security / SSN application and supporting documents by mail. In this case, the Social Security
office will return your documents to you. If you do not want to mail your original documents,
take them to the nearest Social Security office.

If you do not have permission to work in the U.S., you will need to provide a letter, on letterhead stationery (no form letters or photocopies), from the government agency requiring you to get a Social Security Number / SSN. The letter must specifically identify you as the applicant, cite the
law requiring you to have a Social Security Number, and indicate that you meet all the agency's requirements except having the Social Security Number.

If you are assigned a Social Security Number / SSN for non-work purposes, you cannot use it to
work. If you use it to work, the Social Security Administration may inform the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Information taken from Foreignborn.com

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