What is US Social Security Card? How to apply, documents, age, eligibility criteria to get SSN card | CHECK HERE

Social Security is a program run by the United States government wherein it provides total financial protection to American citizens. It delivers a kind of shield to Americans through various stages of life. Through this plan, the government takes care of disabled persons, retirees, and survivors, as well as medical expenses. To get the benefits of social security, one has to fulfil the eligibility criteria with a range of documentation processes– proof of citizenship, job card, date of birth, and immigration clearance. The process is very simple– you can apply online.

What is a Social Security card?

A Social Security card is a document that authenticates one’s Social Security number (SSN). The Social Security Administration, which is also acronymed as “SSA”, provides a unique number to its citizens, or any other eligible nonimmigrant employees. It contains a unique nine-digit number. The number has its significance as it helps a person for many purposes.

It can be used for working, opening accounts with financial organisations, checking income notified on tax returns with income declared by employers and monetary establishments, reporting wages to authorities, and many more. Besides, the number can also be used for getting a passport, getting loans and claiming other government benefits.

Who can apply for a Social Security number?

According to the government notification, all US residents can apply for the SSN. If you are not a US resident, still you can apply for the SSN. For this category, one should attend a school in the country or must have a valid non-work reason.
If you are an international student, citizen’s children, domestic violence survivor or foreign worker– all can apply for the SSN.

How to apply for a Social Security number?

• The process, according to the US government, is hassle-free. It offers online application services.
• However, you have to process some part of the application through offline mode.
• Apply online through the Social Security portal- www.sociaIsecurity.gov.
• Go to the Social Security supervisor in order to complete documentation.
• Once it is approved, you will receive a unique number within 14 days.

Check your mail to get the number. For assistance, call 1-800-772-1213

What is the minimum age to apply for Social Security?

• As per the US government, there is no minimum age to apply for SSN. However, if your age is
• above 18 years, you have to provide proof/documents to authenticate your claims related to identity, and citizenship or alien status.
• If the applicant is mentally challenged or physically capable, then also, he/she has to provide a proper document.
• If a child is under age 18, he/she has to deliver the parents’ SSN unless the parent was never
• assigned a Social Security number. If the number is not known and you cannot obtain it, check the “unknown” box.

What are the documents needed to apply social security card?

If you have applied for the card, you need not to worry. You need to show only three documents.

Citizenship

According to the prescribed documents suggested by the SSA, a person has to show a birth certificate or a US passport.

Age

Proof of age is a key document in applying for the SSN card. Therefore, it is necessary to produce evidence of your birth in America. An applicant can show a religious record made before the age of five years.
Besides, one can also show a US hospital record or US passport.

If you are age above 12 years old, the applicant must visit the SSN centre in person where the official will conduct a brief interview.

Identity

In order to prove your identity, an applicant must have these or any of the mentioned below documents:

• US driving license
• State-issued non-driver identification card
• US Passport
• Employee ID card
• School ID card
• Health insurance card
• US military ID card

Where to submit the application form?

In most of the scenarios, one can take or mail the signed application with documents to any Social Security office. If you are fearing any loss of documents, then you need not worry as the documents you mail to the concerned officer will be returned to you.
Click the link –https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp to locate the Social Security Office or Social Security Card Center that serves your area.