Social Security Card

When you apply for a Social Security Card, you must provide information that proves who you are and that you have a legal right to receive a Social Security Card.  You do not have to give the information but, if you refuse, you will not get a Social Security Card.  If you do not have a Social Security Card you will not be able to get a job. The information you give the Social Security Administration can be shared with other government agencies including Immigration, Homeland Security, the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Health and Human Services for child support, and to other federal agencies which offer programs and services.

What you need when you apply for an original Social Security Card

̃ Two documents to prove your age and identity

̃ That you are a United State citizen or have current work-authorized immigration status

̃ If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not possess work authorization papers, you must prove that you have a valid reason for requesting a Social Security Card.

What are the documents you will need to prove your age:

̃ Your birth certificate. In some situations they may accept

· U.S. hospital record of your birth

· Religious records, established  before you were five years old, that shows your age or date of birth

· Passport

· Final adoption decree.  The decree must indicate that your birth date was taken from the original birth certificate.

What documents you will need to show your identity

You must provide evidence of your legal name, your date of birth, your age or parents name.

You must provide

̃ U.S. driver license, or

̃ U.S. State issue non-drivers identity card, or

̃ U.S. Passport

If you are unable to produce one of the above documents the Social Security Administration may accept

̃ U.S. military identity card

̃ Certificate of Naturalization

̃ Employee identity card

̃ For young children they may accept medical records, final adoption decree or school identity card or school records maintained by the school.

̃ If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must provide your current U.S. immigration documents and your foreign passport with proof of age and date of birth.

 

You must prove your immigration status with a document issued by the Department of Homeland Security such as Form I-551, I-94, I-688B or I-766.  If you are not authorized to work they will issue a card only if you need the number for a valid non-work reason. You must have a letter from a U.S. Federal, State or local government agency explaining why you need a Social Security Card.

 

Applying for Your Child’s Social Security Card

If you are applying for a Social Security Card for someone else, you must provide evidence that clearly states you are authorized to sign the application for a Social Security Card. (A minor child’s birth certificate establishes the authority of a parent to sign on behalf of the child).  If you are applying for a child, you must prove you are the parent of the child and are authorized to sign the card. You also must prove your identity.

If you are applying for a replacement card you must

̃ Prove your identity

̃ If you were born outside the United States you will need to provide proof of your citizenship in the U.S. or have current lawful work authorized immigration status.

How to submit your application

You must complete the application and take all your required documents to any Social Security office.  If you have questions, you may call the Social Security office or Farmworker Legal Services of New York.  The National Social Security Office phone number is

1-800-772-1213

For an application go to:

http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

For more information, go to:

www.ssa.gov

 

Servicios Legales para Los Trabajadores Agrícolas

Farmworker Legal Services of New York, Inc.

Trayayè-Fèm Sèvis Legal de New York

1187 Culver Road

Rochester, New York 14609-5448

Tel: (585) 325-3050

Fax: (585) 325-7614

www.flsny.org

 

 
Farmworker Legal Services of New York, Inc. Home Page