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An SSN is a nine-digit number used to report your wages and track benefits. Most newcomers authorized to work need one.
If you are authorized to work in the US (work visa, green card, or work permit/EAD), you need an SSN. If you cannot work, you generally cannot get an SSN and may use an ITIN for taxes instead.
Apply for free at a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. Complete Form SS-5, bring your original identity and immigration documents, and submit in person. There is no fee.
Quick tips
A valid passport, your entry record (I-94), your work permit or green card if you have one, and proof of age. The exact list depends on your status.
Your card usually arrives by mail within a couple of weeks. Keep the number private — it is a common target for fraud. Memorize it and store the card somewhere safe.
General guidance, not official advice
These guides explain how things generally work. Rules and amounts vary by state and change over time — always confirm the details with the official sources linked in each guide.