Anyone asking who is eligible for a Social Security Number falls into one of a few clear groups: U.S. citizens of any age, lawful permanent residents, and non-citizens who have authorization to work in the United States. A narrower group of non-citizens without work authorization can also qualify, but only when a federal or state law requires the number to receive a specific government benefit. The Social Security Administration assigns the nine-digit number at no cost, and it is tied to almost every financial milestone in the country: filing taxes, starting a job, opening a bank account, applying for a loan.
U.S. Citizens
Every U.S. citizen qualifies, regardless of age or where they currently live. Federal law directs the SSA to assign numbers to citizens, to non-citizens lawfully admitted for work, and to applicants for or recipients of any federally funded benefit.
Newborns
The fastest route for a newborn is the Enumeration at Birth program. When you fill out birth certificate paperwork at the hospital, you can request an SSN at the same time. The hospital forwards the information to the SSA and the card arrives by mail, no separate office visit needed. Applying at birth is voluntary, but your child will need the number for tax returns, medical coverage, and bank accounts, so waiting rarely helps.
Naturalized Citizens and Citizens by Derivation
If you became a citizen through naturalization, you can request an SSN, or update an existing record to reflect your new citizenship, by presenting your Certificate of Naturalization. You can ask for the card during the naturalization process itself by indicating on Form N-400 that you want one, or visit a local Social Security office afterward. Citizens who acquired citizenship through a parent follow the same process using a Certificate of Citizenship.
Adopted Children
Adoptive parents can apply for an SSN once the adoption is finalized. The SSA accepts an adoption decree as proof of the child’s identity. If the child was born in the U.S. and already had an SSN, the parents may instead need a replacement card reflecting the child’s new legal name. Many families wait until the adoption is complete so the card issues in the child’s new name from the start.
Lawful Permanent Residents
Green Card holders are fully eligible and receive an unrestricted card, the same type issued to U.S. citizens. If you applied for your immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate, you were likely asked on Form DS-260 whether you wanted the SSA to assign you a number. Answering “yes” means your card should arrive shortly after you enter the country, without a separate office visit.
If you skipped that step or never saw the question, take your Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) to a local Social Security office after you arrive. To qualify for Social Security retirement benefits later on, you will need to earn at least 40 work credits over your career, with each quarter of covered earnings bringing you closer to that threshold.
Non-Citizens with Work Authorization
Non-citizens on temporary visas who have authorization to work in the U.S. are eligible for an SSN. That covers a wide range of visa categories. H-1B specialty workers and L-1 intracompany transferees, for example, are authorized to work by virtue of their visa status itself. International students on F-1 visas can qualify when they have on-campus employment or are participating in Optional Practical Training, though F-1 students in OPT need separate authorization from the Department of Homeland Security.
If your work authorization comes through a separate Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) rather than your visa status alone, you will use that document as proof when applying. The card issued to temporary workers carries a printed legend reading “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION,” which tells employers that your right to work depends on your immigration status staying current.
What F-1 Students Need
An F-1 student applying based on on-campus employment needs a letter from the employer on official school or department letterhead. The letter must confirm the student has been offered or is already working in a position, describe the nature of the job, and include the start date, weekly hours, and the employer’s identification number. If the student’s Designated School Official is also the employer, the letter has to come from a different department, such as payroll.
Non-Citizens Without Work Authorization
Some non-citizens who are not authorized to work can still get an SSN, but only when a federal or state law requires the number for a specific benefit. Examples include Medicaid eligibility tied to end-stage renal disease, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and certain state public assistance programs. The applicant has to bring a letter from the government agency administering the benefit, documenting why an SSN is required.
Cards issued for non-work purposes are printed with the legend “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT.” If earnings are ever reported under such a number, the SSA notifies the Department of Homeland Security.
If You Are Not Eligible for an SSN
People who are not eligible for a Social Security Number but do have a U.S. tax filing obligation can apply to the IRS for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number using Form W-7. An ITIN is a nine-digit number that exists solely for federal tax purposes. It does not authorize you to work, does not earn Social Security credits, does not qualify you for the Earned Income Tax Credit, and does not change your immigration status.
Anyone eligible for an SSN should get one instead of an ITIN, and you cannot hold both at the same time. If you previously used an ITIN and later receive an SSN, you must stop using the ITIN and notify the IRS so your tax records can be combined under the SSN.
Three Types of Social Security Cards
Eligibility determines which of three cards the SSA issues:
- An unrestricted card shows your name and number with no restrictions. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents get this version.
- A restricted work card is printed with “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION.” Non-citizens on temporary visas with work authorization get this version.
- A non-work card is printed with “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT.” Non-citizens who need a number for a government benefit, and not for work, get this version.
Employers cannot accept a restricted Social Security card as a standalone List C document for Form I-9 purposes. If your immigration status changes, apply for an updated card that reflects your new status.
Documents That Prove You Qualify
Every SSN application requires proof of three things: age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status. The SSA only accepts original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies and notarized copies are rejected, no exceptions.
Proof of Age
A U.S. birth certificate is the standard document. If one is not available, the SSA may accept a religious record established before age five that shows a date of birth, a valid U.S. passport, or a final adoption decree that references the original birth certificate.
Proof of Identity
Identity documents must be current and unexpired, and they must show your name plus identifying information such as date of birth or a recent photograph. A U.S. driver’s license, a state-issued non-driver identification card, or a U.S. passport all qualify.
Proof of Citizenship or Immigration Status
U.S. citizens who have not previously established citizenship with the SSA can present a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570), Certificate of Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Non-citizens must show a current immigration document, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) or an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766).
Foreign-Language Documents
If any of your documents are in a language other than English, the SSA requires a translation covering all identifying information, dates, and any details relevant to proving your age, identity, or status. Plan for this step in advance, because it adds time.