Immigrants And Social Security: Getting Your Number

Social Security Numbers (SSN) are typically given to US citizens, but there is a way for non-citizens to apply for an SSN as part of the immigration process. Immigrants who are lawfully living or authorized to work in the US are eligible for an SSN and, in some cases, Social Security benefits. However, there are false claims on social media that state unauthorized immigrants are given SSNs at the US border.

Lawful immigrants can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) when applying for an immigrant visa

To be eligible for an SSN, non-citizens must be authorized to work in the US by the Department of Homeland Security. This includes asylum seekers, who can obtain an SSN after being granted work authorization. Other eligible categories include being "lawfully admitted for permanent residence, granted conditional entry, paroled into the United States, admitted as a refugee, granted asylum, [or an] alien whose removal is being withheld." Additionally, individuals with a valid non-work reason, such as a federal or state law requiring an SSN to access a benefit or service, may also be eligible for an SSN.

It is important to note that the process of obtaining an SSN may take some time, and it is not distributed at the border, contrary to some misinformation. The SSN application process can be started simultaneously with the application for an immigrant visa, and the card can be mailed to the applicant shortly after their arrival in the US.

By applying for an SSN, lawful immigrants can access various benefits and services in the US. It is a crucial step in the immigration process, enabling immigrants to establish their identity, work legally, and access government programs and services.

Noncitizens can apply for an SSN if they are authorised to work in the US

Noncitizens can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they are authorised to work in the US. This includes asylum seekers, who can obtain an SSN after being granted work authorisation. However, it can take several months for asylum seekers to qualify for an SSN.

To be eligible for an SSN, noncitizens must be "lawfully admitted" to the US. They can apply for an SSN card as part of the immigration process when they apply for their immigrant visa with the US Department of State.

Noncitizens may also be eligible for an SSN if they have a valid non-work reason, such as a federal or state law requiring an SSN to access a particular benefit or service. For example, an SSN may be needed to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, which are available to certain classifications of immigrants, including those "lawfully admitted for permanent residence, granted conditional entry, paroled into the United States, admitted as a refugee, [or] granted asylum".

It is important to note that noncitizens must be lawfully residing in the US to receive SSI payments and that this is distinct from the Social Security retirement program, which is funded through taxes paid by workers and employers.

Asylum seekers can obtain an SSN after being granted work authorisation

Noncitizens can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) card as part of the immigration process. When applying for an immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State, one can also apply for an SSN card simultaneously.

Asylum seekers can obtain an SSN after being granted work authorization. Work permits provide a form of U.S. government identification and allow children to receive an SSN, which can mean access to government benefits like the Child Tax Credit. Asylum seekers can request an SSN card when applying for a work permit. They can do so by indicating this on the application, specifically on questions 14 through 17 of Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization).

The U.S. government is legally required to process initial work permit applications for asylum seekers within 30 days. However, as of August 2023, the government is taking about 30 to 60 days to process many initial work permit applications. Once asylum status is granted, asylum seekers are authorized to work in the U.S. and can immediately apply for an unrestricted SSN card at a Social Security office.

Immigrants at the border are given an A-number, not an SSN

It is not true that immigrants at the border are given a Social Security Number (SSN). As per the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), immigrants at the border are given an Alien Registration Number, commonly known as an A-number. This number is used to track their cases in the immigration system.

A Social Security Number is a separate identification number that is given to eligible immigrant workers in the United States who apply for one. To be eligible for an SSN, noncitizens must be authorized to work by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. For example, asylum seekers can obtain an SSN after being granted work authorization. However, this process can take several months, and most immigrants attempting to enter the U.S. are expelled under Title 42, a pandemic-related restriction, and are therefore unable to apply for asylum.

An A-Number, on the other hand, is a 7-9 digit number that is assigned to immigrants who apply to live in the United States permanently, as well as certain student immigrants. It is used by USCIS to identify immigrants and track their immigration files, which are sometimes called a-files. The A-Number can be found on various documents, including a Permanent Resident Green Card, Employment Authorization Document, and Immigrant Visa. It is also required on most immigration documents submitted to USCIS.

While some immigrants may have both an SSN and an A-Number, these are two distinct identification numbers with different purposes. An SSN is used for employment and tax purposes, while an A-Number is used to track an immigrant's case and application within the USCIS system. Therefore, it is important to understand the difference between these two numbers and the specific requirements and processes for obtaining each one.

Lawful immigrants are eligible for an SSN and, in some cases, Social Security benefits

Lawful immigrants who are authorized to work in the US are eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) and, in some cases, Social Security benefits. The process of applying for an SSN can be initiated when immigrants apply for their visa with the US Department of State.

To be eligible for an SSN, immigrants must be "lawfully admitted" to the US and have authorization to work. For instance, asylum seekers can obtain an SSN after being granted work authorization, allowing them to pay taxes. However, it can take several months for asylum seekers to qualify for an SSN.

In addition to being eligible for an SSN, certain noncitizens may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. To receive SSI, noncitizens must be lawfully residing in the US and fall into specific categories. These categories include being "lawfully admitted for permanent residence," "granted conditional entry," "admitted as a refugee," or "granted asylum." Other classifications of immigrants from specific countries, such as Cuba, Haiti, Iraq, or Afghanistan, may also be eligible for SSI.

It is important to note that SSI is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources, including the elderly and disabled. The amount of SSI payment is determined by federal and state laws, taking into account factors such as location, household composition, and income.

Frequently asked questions