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Anyone living in the United States needs a Social Security number to be able to get a job at any company in this country.
This number is used to record the earnings a person receives for services rendered, as well as to determine with certainty if they are eligible for benefits granted by Social Security and other U.S. government services.
Many financial institutions require a Social Security number from those interested in opening a bank account, which applies to those who do not have U.S. citizenship but reside permanently in the United States.
Likewise, before submitting any application, remember to consult with an attorney specializing in immigration procedures and rights regarding the different options available to you.
What is a Social Security card?
The Social Security card contains the Social Security number (SSN), which is issued by the Social Security Administration of the United States government, so that citizens can register to work legally at any company in this country.
With a Social Security card, employers can report their employees' income to the government, regardless of whether they were born in the United States or in other countries.
The Social Security card number consists of 9 digits, and various banks require it to apply for loans and evaluate loan eligibility.
Importance of the Social Security card in the United States
The importance of the Social Security card in the United States lies in the fact that it serves as financial support for retirees, whether for receiving a monthly financial contribution, coping with a medical condition, or accessing various government benefits.
Monthly retirement payments
Monthly Social Security payments are available to all retired workers, as well as to those who are at least 65 years old and have limited income and resources.
Support for chronic illness in adults and children
This support is provided if the Social Security cardholder has a health condition that prevents them from working, which could lead to death. Support can also be provided if the affected person is a child.
To this end, they make Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income available to their members to provide financial support to those who are disabled.
Benefits for surviving spouses
Due to the death of a loved one (such as a father or mother), an adverse financial situation can arise for adult children, minor children, and surviving spouses.
In this case, Social Security not only provides monthly payments but also a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255, which is paid after the death of a parent or spouse.
Support during marriage and divorce
Both marriage and divorce can lead to significant expenses, which is why Social Security provides financial benefits for spouses and survivors, as well as options for a name change if the affiliate wishes to do so.
What is the application process for obtaining a Social Security card?
First, you must go to the website www.ssa.gov/ssnumber to proceed with the process and begin answering eligibility questions, which will determine if you are eligible to complete the application process online.
- If you are eligible, you must begin the online process by filling out Form SS-5 to apply for a Social Security card.
- Next, you must go to your local Social Security office to present the required documents:some text
- Identification document (passport, driver's license, residency card).
- Proof of age (medical record, passport, or birth certificate).
- Finally, you must present proof of immigration status, including documents that grant permission to work in the United States, such as employment authorization or a work visa.
- Those who are not United States citizens must provide additional documents:some text
- Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551).
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record card.
- I-766 card (work permit) with an admission stamp showing the work permit classification.
Process for Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) and Work Permit Applicants
First, the applicant must review the categories established by the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) to determine if they are seeking specific employment (through a petition by close relatives to the U.S. government), if they have political asylum or refugee status, or if they are a victim of abuse, trafficking, or human smuggling.
Subsequently, an employer (using Form I-140 for foreign workers) or a close relative of the applicant (using Form I-130 for foreign relatives) must file the corresponding petition with the USCIS and wait for the institution's decision on the petition.
If it is denied, they will state the reasons why. Otherwise, you must receive a visa number (if you are outside the United States), and you will need to go to a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Before traveling to the United States, you must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee, unless you have a K-1 fiancé(e) visa for a U.S. citizen, are an immigrant from Afghanistan or Iraq, or are a legal resident of the United States.
You now know what a Social Security card is in the United States, as well as its importance and the steps to obtain one.
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