The Government of the United States mandates all citizens to get a unique 9-digit number called Social Security Number. This is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA), an independent agency which is part of the United States Government. But then, how to get your SSN card? Read further to know more about it.
How to Get Your SSN Card?
The Social Security Administration office has several branches located in major areas in the United States. To locate the nearest SSA office, you can either check their official website and choose the location or you can contact the toll-free number that is given on their website. Another option to get your SSN card is to apply online.
This 9-digit unique number serves as an identifying number; employers use this number to check your details and to submit your wages to the IRS. Also, one can easily find your credit history by just using your SSN card.
At the time of retirement, the government submits your information to the Social Security – where your eligibility is determined. Based on your eligibility, your benefit payments are calculated.
Importance of SSN Card
Whoever you’re, the first and foremost information that your employer gathers from you is your Social Security Number. This number is used to check your identity and then is used by the accounting department. Your organization’s accounting department uses your SSN to submit your income details to the IRS. Also, to report your total income/earnings/wages and to report your tax details.
Organizations who are an active participant in E-Verify, a program that ensures and checks whether employees can legally be employed within the United States or not. Therefore, it is important for you to get your Social Security Number even before you get your first job.
Following are some of the major scenarios where you will be using your SSN card:
- To get a federal loan – In this scenario, the government will be using your SSN to check your eligibility – whether you are eligible to get a federal loan or not.
- To open an account with US Financial Institutions – The federal government of the United States has requested the banks to get their customers’ SSN since 1970. These financial institutions make use of the customer’s SSN to check their eligibility, their credit score, to report the interest/investment/loss income to the IRS, and much more.
- To get public assistance – Not all, but certain kind of public assistance mandates your SSN. This includes public assistance programs such as Social Security disability income (also known as unemployment benefits) are generally managed and maintained either by state or federal government agencies. These agencies make use of the SSN card to check the identity and eligibility of the person who claims it.
- To enroll in Medicare – People can use their SSN to enroll themselves in Medicare as SSA works together with Medicare Services center and Medicaid Services center. If you are not sure how to make the most of Medicare, you might be interested in this book on ten costly Medicare mistakes.
- To get your driving license – If you’re planning to get your driving license, you must provide your SSN to get your license.
Thus, the above scenarios describe the importance of having a Social Security Number.