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How do I apply for Social Security for the first time : Applying for Social Security for the first time involves a few crucial steps. Firstly, ensure eligibility based on citizenship or lawful residency and age. Next, gather essential documents such as a birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, and proof of work eligibility. Complete the “Application for a Social Security Card” (Form SS-5), accessible on the official Social Security Administration (SSA) website.
Submit the application in person at an SSA office or via mail. If eligible, online submission is available. Be patient during processing, anticipating your card’s arrival within weeks. Remember, this process is distinct from applying for benefits. For guidance, don’t hesitate to contact your local SSA office.
How do I apply for Social Security for the first time
You can apply:
- Online; or
- By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office. Call ahead to make an appointment.
- If you do not live in the U.S. or one of its territories, you can also contact your nearest U.S. Social Security office, U.S. Embassy or consulate.
You can help by being ready to provide the information and documents listed below.
Information About You
- Your date and place of birth and Social Security number;
- The name, Social Security number and date of birth or age of your current spouse and any former spouse. You should also know the dates and places of marriage and dates of divorce or death (if appropriate);
- The names of any unmarried children under age 18, age 18-19 and in elementary or secondary school, or disabled before age 22;
- Your bank or other financial institution’s Routing Transit Number and the account number [more info];.
- Your citizenship status;
- Whether you or anyone else has ever filed for Social Security benefits, Medicare or Supplemental Security Income on your behalf (if so, we will also ask for information on whose Social Security record you applied);
- Whether you have used any other Social Security number;
- If you are applying for retirement benefits, the month you want your benefits to begin; and
- If you are within 3 months of age 65, whether you want to enroll in Medical Insurance (Part B of Medicare).
Information About Your Work
- The name and address of your employer(s) for this year and last year;
- The amount of money earned last year and this year. If you are filing for benefits in the months of September through December, you will also need to estimate next year’s earnings;
- A copy of your Social Security Statement or a record of your earnings. If you do not have a Statement, you can view your Social Security Statement online by creating an account and signing in with us. Even if you do not have a record of your earnings or you are not sure if they are correct, please fill out the application. We will help you review your earnings when you apply;
- The beginning and ending dates of any active U.S. military service you had before 1968;
- Whether you became unable to work because of illnesses, injuries or conditions at any time within the past 14 months. If “Yes,” we will also ask the date you became unable to work;
- Whether you or your spouse have ever worked for the railroad industry;
- Whether you have earned Social Security credits under another country’s social security system; and
- Whether you qualified for or expect to receive a pension or annuity based on your own employment with the Federal government of the United States or one of its States or local subdivisions.
Note : If you are outside the U.S., we may need to know if you worked or will be working over 45 hours a month outside the United States.
Documents You May Need To Provide
We may need to see certain documents in order to pay benefits. If you apply online, a list of documents we need to see will appear at the end of the application, along with instructions on where to submit them. The documents we may ask for are:
- your original birth certificate or other proof of birth [more info] (You may also submit a copy of your birth certificate certified by the issuing agency);
- proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States [more info];
- a copy of your U.S. military service paper(s) (e.g., DD-214 – Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) if you had military service before 1968; [more info]; and
- a copy of your W-2 form(s) [more info] and/or self-employment tax return [more info] for last year.
Important : We accept photocopies of W-2 forms, self-employment tax returns or medical documents, but we must see the original of most other documents, such as your birth certificate. (We will return them to you.)
Note : If our records show that documents proving age or citizenship/lawful alien status have already been submitted for an earlier Medicare or Social Security claim (such as Disability, Supplemental Security Income, etc.), you do not need to submit the documents again.
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What If I Don’t Have All Of The Documents?
Even if you don’t have all the documents we need, you should still submit the application and any documents you do have. You can provide the missing documents later or we may be able to help you get them.
In many cases, your local Social Security office can contact your state Bureau of Vital Statistics and verify your information online at no cost to you. If we can’t verify your information online, we can still help you get the information you need.
If you delay submitting the application, you could lose some benefits you may be due.
Mailing Your Documents
If you mail any documents to us, you must include the Social Security number so that we can match them with the correct application. Do not write anything on the original documents. Please write the Social Security number on a separate sheet of paper and include it in the mailing envelope along with the documents. If you do not want to mail these documents, you may bring them to a Social Security office.
Do not mail foreign birth records or any documents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), especially those you (the applicant) are required to keep with you at all times. These documents are extremely difficult, time-consuming and expensive to replace if lost. Some cannot be replaced. Instead, bring them to a Social Security office where they will be examined and returned.
Request Social Security number for the first time
Request a number for free if you do not have one.
A Social Security number is a 9-digit number that’s unique to you. You may need your Social Security number to:
- File taxes
- Start a job
- Open a bank account
- Apply for a loan
- Get a passport
- Claim government benefits
Apply for a Social Security number – If you’re in the U.S., you can apply online, then go to a local Social Security office to provide your documentation. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a Social Security card with your number on it by mail within 14 days. – Apply Online Link
Who can request a Social Security number
All U.S. citizens can request a Social Security number. Some noncitizens may be able to request a number if they work or attend school, or if they have a valid nonwork reason.
People who may need a new Social Security number include:
- Noncitizens (PDF)
- International students (PDF)
- Foreign workers (PDF)
- Citizen children (PDF)
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals applicants (PDF)
- Domestic violence survivors (PDF)
Why should I get a Social Security number for my child?
You need an SSN to claim your child as a dependent on your income tax return. Your child may also need a number if you plan to:
- Open a bank account for the child.
- Buy savings bonds for the child.
- Get medical coverage for the child.
- Apply for government services for the child.
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How do I apply for Social Security for the first time By Phone
Call us to make an appointment to file an application at 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call us at TTY 1-800-325-0778.
Begin the Application Online
Applying for SSI requires 2 steps. You will need to complete the online Child Disability Report AND, with the help of a Social Security representative, complete an Application for SSI.
Step 1
TIP: Before completing the Child Disability Report, use our Child Disability Starter Kit to get answers to commonly asked questions about applying for SSI. The kit also includes a worksheet that will help you gather the information you need.
Fill out the online Child Disability Report
The report usually takes about an hour to complete and collects information about the child’s disabling condition and how it affects their ability to function.
We will ask you to sign a form that gives the child’s doctor(s) permission to give us information about their disability. We need this information so that we can make a decision on the child’s claim. In some cases, if the child is over age 12, he or she must sign his or her own medical release. Start the Child Disability Report
If you previously started a Child Disability Report for this child but did not finish it, you can use your re-entry number to return to your online Child Disability Report.
Step 2
After you submit a report, we will call you within 3-5 business days. Together, we will:
- Review the completed Child Disability Report.
- Discuss whether the income and resources of the household are within the allowed limits.
- Start the SSI application process.
How will I know what Social Security has decided?
We will send you a letter. It can take 3 to 5 months for us to make a decision on a child’s SSI disability claim. We may also contact you by phone to ask additional questions. Let us know if your address or telephone number changes so that we can get in touch with you.
How can I get ready for the disability interview?
- Review the disability starter kit. It includes a checklist and a worksheet to help you gather the information you need. Have this information with you at the time of the interview.
- You can fill out a Child Disability Report.
- For more information visit Benefits for People with Disabilities or call toll-free 1-800-772-1213 (for the deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY 1-800-325-0778).
How do I apply for Social Security for the first time?
To apply for Social Security for the first time, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. Generally, you must be a U.S. citizen or have lawful residency and be at least 18 years old to apply.
- Gather Documents: Collect necessary documents to prove your identity, age, citizenship or legal residency, and work eligibility. Commonly accepted documents include a birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, and immigration documents.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the “Application for a Social Security Card” (Form SS-5). This form is available online on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or can be obtained from a local SSA office.
- Submit Documents: Along with the completed Form SS-5, submit the required documents as evidence. Original or certified copies are usually needed; photocopies may not be accepted.
- Submit Application: You can submit your application and documents in person at a local SSA office or by mail. Some regions also offer online application if you meet the criteria.
- Wait for Processing: The processing time varies, but you can expect to receive your Social Security card within a few weeks. The card will have your name and Social Security number.
- Keep Your Card Safe: Once you receive your Social Security card, keep it in a secure place. Avoid carrying it in your wallet to prevent loss or theft.
- Remember Your Number: Memorize your Social Security number, as it’s a crucial piece of information you’ll need for various purposes, including employment and filing taxes.
- Understand Benefits: While applying for a Social Security card doesn’t automatically enroll you in benefits, it’s the first step. If you’re eligible for Social Security benefits (e.g., retirement, disability), you’ll need to apply separately when you meet the requirements.
- Contact SSA for Help: If you have questions or need assistance during the application process, you can contact your local SSA office or visit the official SSA website for information and resources.
Applying for Social Security for the first time is an important step towards establishing your identity and eligibility for various benefits. Ensuring you have the required documents and accurately completing the application will facilitate a smooth process.
FAQ’s-How do I apply for Social Security for the first time?
Q: Who is eligible to apply for Social Security for the first time?
Ans: U.S. citizens and individuals with lawful residency who are at least 18 years old are generally eligible to apply for a Social Security card for the first time.
Q: What documents do I need to apply?
Ans: You’ll need documents that prove your identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport), age, citizenship or legal residency, and work eligibility (e.g., employment authorization document).
Q: Where can I get the application form?
Ans: You can download the “Application for a Social Security Card” (Form SS-5) from the official Social Security Administration (SSA) website or obtain it at a local SSA office.
Q: Can I apply online?
Ans: Yes, if you’re eligible, you can complete the application process online through the SSA’s website.
Q: What information is required on Form SS-5?
Ans: The form typically asks for your full legal name, date and place of birth, citizenship or immigration status, parents’ names, and Social Security number (if known).
Q: How do I submit my application?
Ans: You can submit your application in person at a local SSA office, by mail along with the required documents, or through the online application process if eligible.
Q: Is there a fee for getting a Social Security card for the first time?
Ans: No, obtaining your first Social Security card is generally free.
Q: How long does it take to receive the card after applying?
Ans: The processing time varies, but you can expect to receive your Social Security card within a few weeks after submitting the application.
Q: Can I use my Social Security card as proof of work eligibility?
Ans: Yes, your Social Security card can serve as one of the documents for proving work eligibility, but it’s typically recommended to use other forms of identification like a driver’s license or passport.
Q: Do I need to apply for Social Security benefits separately?
Ans: Yes, applying for a Social Security card is separate from applying for Social Security benefits (e.g., retirement, disability). If you’re eligible for benefits, you’ll need to apply for them separately when the time comes.
Q: What if I have questions or need help during the application process?
Ans: If you have questions or need assistance, you can contact your local SSA office or visit the official SSA website for information and resources.
How do I apply for Social Security for the first time, how do i apply for social security for the first time online, how do i apply for social security for the first time for a child, how do i apply for social security disability for the first time, how do i apply for social security number for the first time, apply for social security card online free, what do i need to get a replacement social security card
Applying for Social Security for the first time involves gathering the necessary documents, accurately completing the application form, and submitting it through the appropriate channels. It’s an important step in establishing your identity and potential eligibility for various benefits.