What is a Social Security Number? Who is eligible to receive a Social Security Number? Who is required to have a Social Security Number? Why is everyone asking for my Social Security Number? If you are asked for an SSN by a cell phone carrier, bank, landlord, etc. you should explain that you are not eligible for one. Since you do not have a financial credit history, you may be asked to pay a higher deposit for certain services. I am employed and/or eligible for a Social Security Number. How do I get one? Note: If working at Georgia Tech, you may begin working and get paid without a Social Security Number. However, you should apply for an SSN as soon as possible and report information to Global HR after you receive it. You will need to take the original documents listed below and one hard copy of each document to apply for a SSN. You are also encouraged to review the Social Security Administration's website.
Requesting a Social Security support letter from OIE For those not employed by GT, you are not required to have an OIE Support letter for your application. You will instead use your employment offer letter. Please note that international student visa holders are not eligible to begin employment off-campus unless they have a valid work authorization. You can learn more about employment options available to international students at F-1 Employment Overview | International Students and Scholars Services (gatech.edu). Protecting your Social Security
Number If someone is able to get your Social Security Number, they can open bank accounts or buy things under your name! You can quickly become a victim of identity theft if someone gets your number and they can cause problems far into the future. Do not give your number over the phone or via email, particularly if you did not initiate contact. If someone is asking you for your Social Security Number and you do not know if you should give it to them, please feel free to email for support. For more information about scams and identity theft prevention, please visit our Scam 101 website. Is it okay to not have a Social Security number?You must provide a Social Security number for every person in your family who is applying for benefits. You can provide the numbers orally or in writing. You do not have to show any Social Security cards.
Are all U.S. citizens required to have a Social Security number?You need an SSN to get a job, collect Social Security benefits, and receive some other government services. If you're temporarily in the United States to work, your employer will ask for your SSN.
Is Social Security number optional?Does Everyone Have To Have a Social Security Number? Essentially, yes. You need a Social Security number to apply for a job or a credit card, and you can't collect Social Security benefits in retirement or obtain some other government services without having one.
What if you never had a Social Security number?NOTE: If you are age 12 or older and have never received a Social Security number, you must apply in person. To apply for a replacement card, you must provide one document to prove your identity.
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