Social Security

Social Security is needed for employment, to collect Social Security Benefits as well as other government assistance. You must be authorized to work in the U.S. in order to receive a SSN. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive a SSN. If you aren’t authorized to work in the U.S., the only way you can be eligible to receive a social security number is if you need it to apply for a government service or benefit for which you have already met all other requirements. You cannot apply for a social security number for the sole purpose of creating a driver's license.

There are two ways immigrants can receive a Social Security number:

  • Apply in your home country along with your immigration visa application
  • Apply at a Social Security office in the U.S.

You need to provide proof of immigration status, proof of age, and proof of identity in order to apply for a social security number. SSN is linked to your financial history; many banks require your SSN, but some institutions accept individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), a number you can apply for even if you are undocumented.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

ITIN Application Process:

  1. Fill out the required Form W-7. It is available in English and Spanish.
  2. Provide proof of identity with an unexpired document that includes a photograph of you. For example you can use an unexpired passport or driver’s license.
    • The requirements for steps 2 and 3 can be fulfilled with an unexpired foreign passport. Immigrants that have their foreign passport should make sure they continue renewing it.
  3. Complete your federal tax return.
  4. Attach your Form W-7 and proof of identity with your tax return and submit it.

Find more information about the ITIN application process here.

Process for renewing ITIN: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/how-do-i-renew-my-itin

Bank Accounts and Credit Cards
  • You can apply for a bank account using your ITIN. Chase bank allows you to create an account using your ITIN.
  • You can apply for some credit cards without a SSN. When looking at the online applications for credit cards from these companies, they will often ask for a SSN. There is no separate box or description asking for an ITIN. However, you can input your ITIN in the Social Security box.
    • You can apply for all American Express personal credit cards online without an SSN if you have credit history in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, India, Mexico and the UK. Even if you are not from one of these countries, Amex still accepts ITINs as part of their applications.
    • Bank of America
    • Capital One Platinum card has no annual fee and is good for people with limited credit history who are looking to build credit. Find out more here.
    • Additional resources:

Services That do not Require a SSN

  • You do not need a SSN to apply for subsidized housing.
  • You do not need a SSN to register for school and school lunch.
  • You do not need a SSN to register for academic examinations, such as the SAT.
  • You do not need a SSN to obtain private health insurance (For example, New York State Health Marketplace provides health insurance to people without a social security number).
  • In New York State, you do not need a SSN to apply for a driver's license or learner's permit.

For more information, you can visit www.socialsecurity.gov