How To Apply For An SSN

Having a social security number is crucial not only because of the many benefits that one can get from it. So if you are not familiar with the process of applying for one, then read through. First, a social security number, assigned by a government body known as Social Security Administration, is unique to all people.

The Social Security Number (SSN) is used by agencies of the US government, businesses, and schools to identify people in their computer systems. This number is a very important part of a citizen's life because it is used in identification. Anybody who has a legitimate job and pays his taxes in the United States of America is required to have this number. The Social Security Number has nine digits which are divided into three portions.

The citizen's state of residence at the time of the application is indicated in the first three digits. The next two digits are just there to break the numbers in to blocks which can be memorized easily and has no significance whatsoever. And the last four digits are straight numerical progression of allotted numbers. Today, SSN is categorized in to three types.

Issued since the 1930s, the first type of card is considered to be a regular card which displays the name of the owner of the ssn. The owner of this type of card can work without any limitations. These cards are found in US citizens and permanent resident aliens or those who are holders of green cards.

The second type of SSN card bears the phrase "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT". This card is issued by the Social Security Agency for people from another country who are legally admitted to the United States without a U. S. citizenship and work authorization from the immigration services. They need an SSN because the federal, state, or local law requires them to have one in order to avail of some benefits or services.

The last type of cards have been issued since 1992 only. It bears the phrase "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION". This is issued to people who have been admitted to the United States temporarily and have been authorized by the immigration service to work. If you need to apply for an SSN, get a Form SS-5 from the Social Security Agency. Read the supplied instructions in the form carefully. Provide the stated original documents. Those who have just turned eighteen and are applying for the first time need to apply personally. Otherwise, you can just mail the documents needed.

If, however, you have no permission to work in the United States, you are required to provide a letter with the letterhead of the government agency requiring you to get a number. The contents of the letter would be your name as applicant, the law which is requiring you to apply, and a statement that you have met all the requirements in order to acquire a Social Security number.

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Whether you're an employer wishing to check on a job applicant, a landlord who wants to make sure you're not renting out your space to a criminal or a loaner trying to make sure a loan applicant isn't going to take off with your money, you can use a free ssn search to check for these people's vital information. With free ssn trace you will have access to peoples records so that you can make an informed decision in you hiring process.

Author (clientarticles@seoarbiter.com). Submitted on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 Time: 8:34 AM

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