A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued by the US Government to citizens and permanent or eligible temporary residents.
This number helps monitor your lifetime earnings and eligibility for Social Security benefits (including disability and retirement). It’s also necessary to secure a job.
Employers use your SSN to report your income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Social Security Administration (SSA). It’s also vital for reporting state income tax.
Types of Social Security Cards
Your SSN is printed on a card provided by the Social Security Administration. They issue three different types of Social Security cards, depending on your situation. These are:
- Standard (Unrestricted): For US citizens and permanent residents
- Restricted (Work-Authorized): Only for temporary residents authorized to work by the Department of Homeland Security
- Restricted (Non-Work): For temporary residents who are not authorized to work
Restricted Social Security Cards show the holder’s work permission status on the card.
When You Need To Provide Your Social Security Number
Your SSN is sensitive information that you should protect carefully. However, in some official processes, you’ll need to share it with authorities. The most common situations where you need to give your Social Security Number include:
- Applying for a passport
- Obtaining a driver's license
- Opening an account with any US financial institution
- Requesting certain types of public assistance, such as unemployment benefits
- Applying for a federal or student loan
- Enrolling in Medicare
- Filing your tax return
How To Find Your Social Security Number
You can find your Social Security number on several official documents, including your:
- Social Security card
- Tax returns
- Bank statements
- W-2 forms
- Other forms filed with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
If you don’t have an SS number, you can generally answer “None” in the space provided on USCIS and other forms. Most people with non-immigrant visas do not have a Social Security Number.
