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What is a Social Security Number (SSN)?
Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit identification number issued by the Social Security Administration to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain non-immigrants for tax reporting purposes.
An individual’s income and taxes, as assessed through SSN, are used to determine eligibility for Social Security Programs, such as retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. SSNs are also used by employers to report wages and taxes to the government and, more specifically, by financial institutions when an individual applies for a credit or loan.
How to Get a Social Security Number?
To get a Social Security number (SSN) in the United States, you will need to follow these steps:
- Determine if you are eligible: Generally, you can obtain a Social Security number if you are a U.S. citizen or legally present in the United States.
- Gather the required documents: When applying for an SSN, you will need to prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status using certain documents. These documents may include a birth certificate, your passport, and your immigration papers (if you have any).
- Complete the application: To obtain an SSN, you need to apply in person at your local Social Security office. Fill out an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) and submit the appropriate documentation.
- Submit the application and documents: Once you have completed and gathered the required documents, you can submit them at your local Social Security office. You must provide original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency. The Social Security office will process your application and, if approved, issue you a Social Security number and card.
How to Change Your Social Security Number?
In the United States, changing your Social Security Number (SSN) is generally complicated and only available to some people. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may assign a new SSN in certain situations.
Some of the situations in which the SSA may issue a new SSN:
- Identity Theft: If you can provide evidence that will show the misuse of your current SSN and has caused or may cause significant harm to you, the SSA may decide, in exceptional cases, to issue a new SSN.
- Harassment or Abuse: If you can prove that you are experiencing ongoing harassment, abuse, or life endangerment and a new SSN would help stop the harassment/abuse, the SSA may give you a new SSN.
- Religious or Cultural Reasons: If you can show that using a social security number interferes with your sincerely held religious beliefs and that the applicant has always used the number in good faith- the SSA may allow someone to get a new social.
Individuals must contact a local Social Security office and provide evidence to support changing their SSN. The evidence requested will need to differ depending on the request made
