II.  Social Security Number     1.  What is a Social Security number?     2.  How to apply for a Social Security number     3.  Eligibility of spouses and children of work visa holders     4.  Safety
1.	What is a Social Security Number? The Social Security System provides social and medical benefits for disabled and retired U.S. citizens. While working, employees and self-employed people pay into the system. Once they retire or become disabled they receive monthly benefits, provided that they fulfill certain requirements. For foreigners, the most important aspect of the Social Security program is the Social Security Number (SSN). The number is issued by the United States Department of Social Security, Social Security Administration. It is used to track earnings while one is working and to track received social security benefits. In order to get a job everybody needs a SSN to report to the employer. Any financial institution that pays interest to you will ask for your SSN. It would be impossible to collect Social Security benefits without a SSN. Practically, the SSN is used in may cases for identification purposes. Businesses, for example, that offer credit cards ask for your SSN to track you in case you move without having paid your bills. As a non-resident alien in the U.S. with a work visa (F-1, H-1B, J-1), you are eligible for a SSN, because you have an income and are required to pay taxes. The SSN serves as your tax payer ID number. The SSN always consists of nine number grouped like this: 123-45-6789. It is printed on a wallet-sized card issued by the Social Security Administration. Therefore, when talking about the SSN, people often refer to "the card." If you are not a U.S. resident or citizen, your card may state "Allowed to work only with INS authorization". You have this authorization if you have been legally admitted to the U.S. in a visa status that allows you to work (for example, H or J status). Back to top
2.	How to apply for a Social Security Number Unlike most Americans who have had a SSN card for their whole life because their parents obtained one for them when they were born, you as a foreigner will have to apply for a SSN. To get an original card, you need to complete an application (form SS-5) which you can find in the back of this chapter. In addition you will have to provide documents that prove your age, identity and lawful alien status in the form of originals or certified copies. Mandatory documents that meet this requirement are your passport with current I-94 Entry/Departure Card, and your I-20 (F-visa), I-797 Approval Notice (H-visa) or IAP-66 (J-visa). Additionally, you should bring a drivers license of your home country or your birth certificate. You have to apply for the SSN in person in one of the Social Security Administration offices. The closest to Fermilab is located at 1660 N. Farnsworth Avenue, Aurora, IL 60505, 1/2 mile south of I-88, Tel.: (630)375-0506. The office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - expect long lines. Once you have applied for the SSN, it takes approximately two weeks until the card is mailed to you. But you can call 1-800-772-1213 or the local office after a few days, and they will let you know your number. In some cases, for example to open a bank account, it will be sufficient to have the number without presenting the card. This way, you will not have to wait for two weeks to continue your first organizational steps here in the U.S. Back to top
3.	Eligibility of spouses and children of work visa holders Family members who hold F-2, H-4 or J-2 visa status are not eligible for a Social Security number. Anyone who is not eligible for a SSN can apply for a taxpayer identification number using the form W-7. This number can be used for tax purposes, if claiming deductions, and at banks to open an account. Back to top
4.	Safety Your social security records contain personal data. Although the SSN alone does not give anyone access to your records, you should be very restrictive and careful about giving out your SSN. As explained above, certain government agencies, such as the IRS and the driver services facility, as well as banks that pay interest to you, are the only institutions required to have your SSN. All other institutions, agencies and companies want your SSN for identity and tracking purposes. You are not required to give them this information, but they can refuse to provide their services. In a lot of instances, for example when dealing with utility companies, you have no choice but to submit your SSN. However, reporting your number is voluntary. If requested, ask why your SSN is needed, how your number will be used and what the consequences are if you refuse. Note: Although the driver services facility needs your SSN for their records, it does not have to appear on the license card itself. The drivers license service facility will ask you whether you want your SSN on your license. Most people want their SSN printed on the drivers license because it is convenient. Considering the safety issues and the fact that you will remember your number anyway within a few weeks, you should consider leaving it off your drivers license, which is in fact recommended at the drivers license facility. According to official government information, the privacy of your records is guaranteed, unless the disclosure to another government agency is required by law, or the information is needed to conduct Social Security or other government health or welfare programs. They will not give information from your records without your written consent, unless the law requires or permits it. You should be careful with regard to your SSN and keep your SSN card in a safe place to prevent misuse. Back to top