A Social Security number is important because you need it to get a job, collect Social Security benefits and receive some other government services. Many other businesses, such as banks and credit companies, also ask for your number. There is no charge for a Social Security number and card. If someone contacts you and wants to charge you for getting a number or card, or for any Social Security service, please remember that Social Security services are free.
For additional information about
Social Security Cards, consider the following: RESOURCES
Different types of cards:
Three types of Social Security cards are available. All cards show your name and Social Security number.
The first type of card shows your name and Social Security number and lets you work without restriction. This is issued to U.S. citizens; and people lawfully admitted to the United States on a permanent basis.
The second type of card shows your name and number and notes, “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION.” This type of card is issued to people lawfully admitted to the United States on a temporary basis who have DHS (Department of Homeland Security) authorization to work.
The third type of card shows your name and number and notes, “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT.” These are issued for people from other countries who are lawfully admitted to the United States without work authorization from DHS, but with a valid non-work reason for needing a Social Security number; or who need a number because of a federal law requiring a Social Security number to get a benefit or service.
How do I get my child a Social Security number?
It is a good idea to get the number when your child is born. You can apply for a Social Security number for your baby when you apply for your baby’s birth certificate. The state agency that issues birth certificates will share your child’s information with your Social Security office. The Social Security card will be mailed to you.
Or, you can wait and apply at any Social Security office. If you wait, you must provide evidence of your child’s age, identity and U.S. citizenship status, as well as proof of your identity. Social Security must verify your child’s birth record, which can add up to 12 weeks to the time it takes to issue a card. To verify a birth record, Social Security will contact the office that issued it.
Anyone age 12 or older requesting an original Social Security number card must appear for an interview at a Social Security office, even if a parent or guardian will sign the application on the child's behalf.
What if my name changed?
If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that you can get a corrected card. If you are working, also tell your employer. If you do not tell social security when your name changes, it may delay your tax refund; and prevent your wages from being posted correctly to your Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your future Social Security benefits.
If you need to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show a recently issued document as proof of your legal name change. Documents Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change include:
Marriage document
Divorce decree
Certificate of Naturalization showing a new name
Court order for a name change
If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give enough information to identify you in Social Security records or if you legally changed your name more than two years ago, you must provide Social Security with additional documentation.
Marriage, divorce or annulment: In addition to showing your Social Security office a legal document proving your marriage, divorce or annulment, you must provide an identity document. That document must show your old name, as well as other identifying information or a recent photograph. (Social Security will accept an expired document as evidence of your old name.)
Cited Source: The above statements, regulations, policies, procedures, forms, governance, or laws, are cited from "The U.S. Social Security Administration", "The Department of Social Security", and/or their agencies, departments, affiliates, and/or subsidiaries. Any inaccuracies or misstatements should be brought to our attention immediately via the "Contact Us" link which can be found at the bottom of each page.
