Table of Contents
The SSA SS-5 form is a crucial document for anyone seeking to obtain a Social Security number in the United States. This form serves multiple purposes, including the application for a new Social Security number, the request for a replacement card, or the update of personal information associated with an existing number. Individuals must provide specific information, such as their name, date of birth, and citizenship status. In addition, supporting documents may be required to verify identity and eligibility. Completing the SSA SS-5 form accurately is essential, as errors can lead to delays in processing or even denial of the application. Understanding the requirements and implications of this form can simplify the process and ensure that individuals receive their Social Security benefits without unnecessary complications.
Sample - SSA SS-5 Form
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Social Security Administration |
OMB No. |
Application for a Social Security Card
Applying for a Social Security Card is free!
USE THIS APPLICATION TO:
●Apply for an original Social Security card
●Apply for a replacement Social Security card
●Change or correct information on your Social Security number record
IMPORTANT: You MUST provide a properly completed application and the required evidence before we can process your application. We can only accept original documents or documents certified by the custodian of the original record. Notarized copies or photocopies which have not been certified by the custodian of the record are not acceptable. We will return any documents submitted with your application. For assistance call us at
Original Social Security Card
To apply for an original card, you must provide at least two documents to prove age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or current lawful,
NOTE: If you are age 12 or older and have never received a Social Security number, you must apply in person.
Replacement Social Security Card
To apply for a replacement card, you must provide one document to prove your identity. If you were born outside the U.S., you must also provide documents to prove your U.S. citizenship or current, lawful,
Changing Information on Your Social Security Record
To change the information on your Social Security number record (i.e., a name or citizenship change, or corrected date of birth) you must provide documents to prove your identity, support the requested change, and establish the reason for the change. For example, you may provide a birth certificate to show your correct date of birth. A document supporting a name change must be recent and identify you by both your old and new names. If the name change event occurred over two years ago or if the name change document does not have enough information to prove your identity, you must also provide documents to prove your identity in your prior name and/or in some cases your new legal name. If you were born outside the U.S. you must provide a document to prove your U.S. citizenship or current lawful,
LIMITS ON REPLACEMENT SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS
Public Law
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
If you have any questions about this form or about the evidence documents you must provide, please visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov for additional information as well as locations of our offices and Social Security Card Centers. You may also call Social Security at
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EVIDENCE DOCUMENTS
The following lists are examples of the types of documents you must provide with your application and are not all inclusive. Call us at
IMPORTANT: If you are completing this application on behalf of someone else, you must provide evidence that shows your authority to sign the application as well as documents to prove your identity and the identity of the person for whom you are filing the application. We can only accept original documents or documents certified by the custodian of the original record. Notarized copies or photocopies which have not been certified by the custodian of the record are not acceptable.
Evidence of Age
In general, you must provide your birth certificate. In some situations, we may accept another document that shows your age. Some of the other documents we may accept are:
●U.S. hospital record of your birth (created at the time of birth)
●Religious record established before age five showing your age or date of birth
●Passport
●Final Adoption Decree (the adoption decree must show that the birth information was taken from the original birth certificate)
Evidence of Identity
You must provide current, unexpired evidence of identity in your legal name. Your legal name will be shown on the Social Security card. Generally, we prefer to see documents issued in the U.S. Documents you submit to establish identity must show your legal name AND provide biographical information (your date of birth, age, or parents' names) and/or physical information (photograph, or physical description - height, eye and hair color, etc.). If you send a photo identity document but do not appear in person, the document must show your biographical information (e.g., your date of birth, age, or parents' names). Generally, documents without an expiration date should have been issued within the past two years for adults and within the past four years for children.
As proof of your identity, you must provide a:
●U.S. driver's license; or
●U.S.
●U.S. passport
If you do not have one of the documents above or cannot get a replacement within 10 work days, we may accept other documents that show your legal name and biographical information, such as a U.S. military identity card, Certificate of Naturalization, employee identity card, certified copy of medical record (clinic, doctor or hospital), health insurance card, Medicaid card, or school identity card/record. For young children, we may accept medical records (clinic, doctor, or hospital) maintained by the medical provider. We may also accept a final adoption decree, or a school identity card, or other school record maintained by the school.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, we must see your current U.S. immigration document(s) and your foreign passport with biographical information or photograph.
WE CANNOT ACCEPT A BIRTH CERTIFICATE, HOSPITAL SOUVENIR BIRTH CERTIFICATE, SOCIAL SECURITY CARD STUB OR A SOCIAL SECURITY RECORD as evidence of identity.
Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
In general, you must provide your U.S. birth certificate or U.S. Passport. Other documents you may provide are a Consular Report of Birth, Certificate of Citizenship, or Certificate of Naturalization.
Evidence of Immigration Status
You must provide a current unexpired document issued to you by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) showing your immigration status, such as Form
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HOW TO COMPLETE THIS APPLICATION
Complete and sign this application LEGIBLY using ONLY black or blue ink on the attached or downloaded form using only 8 ½” x 11” (or A4 8.25” x 11.7”) paper.
GENERAL: Items on the form are
4.Show the month, day, and full (4 digit) year of birth; for example, “1998” for year of birth.
5.If you check “Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work” or “Other,” you must provide a document from a U.S. Federal, State, or local government agency that explains why you need a Social Security number and that you meet all the requirements for the government benefit. NOTE: Most agencies do not require that you have a Social Security number. Contact us to see if your reason qualifies for a
Social Security number.
6., 7. Providing race and ethnicity information is voluntary and does not affect decisions on your application. We request this information for research and statistical purposes, to ensure all our customers receive fair and equal treatment.
9.B., 10.B. If you are applying for an original Social Security card for a child under age 18, you MUST show the parents' Social Security numbers unless the parent was never assigned a Social Security number. If the number is not known and you cannot obtain it, check the “unknown” box.
13.If the date of birth you show in item 4 is different from the date of birth currently shown on your Social Security record, show the date of birth currently shown on your record in item 13 and provide evidence to support the date of birth shown in item 4.
16.Show an address where you can receive your card 7 to 14 days from now.
17.WHO CAN SIGN THE APPLICATION? If you are age 18 or older and are physically and mentally capable of reading and completing the application, you must sign in item 17. If you are under age 18, you may either sign yourself, or a parent or legal guardian may sign for you. If you are over age 18 and cannot sign on your own behalf, a legal guardian, parent, or close relative may generally sign for you. If you cannot sign your name, you should sign with an "X” mark and have two people sign as witnesses in the space beside the mark. Please do not alter your signature by including additional information on the signature line as this may invalidate your application. Call us if you have questions about who may sign your application.
HOW TO SUBMIT THIS APPLICATION
In most cases, you can take or mail this signed application with your documents to any Social Security office. Any documents you mail to us will be returned to you. Go to https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp to find the Social Security office or Social Security Card Center that serves your area.
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PROTECT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND CARD
Protect your SSN card and number from loss and identity theft. DO NOT carry your SSN card with you. Keep it in a secure location and only take it with you when you must show the card; e.g., to obtain a new job, open a new bank account, or to obtain benefits from certain U.S. agencies. Use caution in giving out your Social Security number to others, particularly during phone, mail, email and Internet requests you did not initiate.
PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
Collection and Use of Personal Information
Sections 202, 205(c), and 702 of the Social Security Act (Act), as amended, allow us to collect this information, which we will use to assign a Social Security number, issue a Social Security card, and make a timely determination concerning eligibility for Social Security benefits. Providing the information is voluntary, but not providing all or part of the information may prevent us from assisting you. As law permits, we may use and share the information you submit, including with other Federal agencies, contractors, and others, as outlined in the routine uses within System of Records Notices (SORN)
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement - This information collection meets the requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507, as amended by section 2 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. You do not need to answer these questions unless we display a valid Office of Management and Budget control number. We estimate that it will take between 5 and 60 minutes to read the instructions, gather the facts, and answer the questions. SEND OR BRING THE COMPLETED
FORM TO YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE. You can find your local Social Security office through SSA’s website at www.socialsecurity.gov. Offices are also listed under U. S. Government agencies in your telephone directory or you may call Social Security at
File Specs
| Fact Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | The SSA SS-5 form is used to apply for a Social Security card. |
| Eligibility | Any U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen can apply. |
| Required Information | Applicants must provide personal information, including name, date of birth, and place of birth. |
| Identification | Proof of identity is required, which may include a birth certificate or passport. |
| Submission Methods | The form can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at a local Social Security office. |
| Processing Time | Typically, it takes 10 to 14 business days to receive the Social Security card after approval. |
| State-Specific Forms | Some states may have additional requirements governed by state laws. |
| Governing Laws | Federal laws under the Social Security Act govern the SS-5 form. |
SSA SS-5 - Usage Guidelines
After obtaining the SSA SS-5 form, you will need to carefully complete it to ensure accurate processing of your application. This form is essential for requesting a Social Security number. Follow the steps below to fill it out correctly.
- Begin by downloading the SSA SS-5 form from the Social Security Administration's website or obtain a physical copy from your local Social Security office.
- In the first section, enter your name as it appears on your birth certificate or legal documents. Include your first name, middle name (if applicable), and last name.
- Provide your Social Security number if you have one. If you do not have a number, leave this section blank.
- Fill in your date of birth. Use the format MM/DD/YYYY for clarity.
- Indicate your place of birth, including the city and state or foreign country.
- Complete the section regarding your parents. Enter their names and Social Security numbers if available. If not, leave the space blank.
- Specify your gender by checking the appropriate box.
- In the next section, provide your current address. Include your street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
- List your phone number for contact purposes. This can help the Social Security Administration reach you if they have questions.
- Indicate your citizenship status. Check the appropriate box for U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other status.
- In the final section, sign and date the form. Ensure that your signature matches the name provided at the beginning of the form.
Once the form is completed, review it for accuracy. Make sure all information is correct and legible. After that, you can submit the form either by mailing it to your local Social Security office or bringing it in person. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the SSA SS-5 form?
The SSA SS-5 form is an application used to request a Social Security number (SSN) or to apply for a replacement card. This form is essential for individuals who need an SSN for various purposes, such as employment, tax reporting, or accessing government services. The form can be filled out by U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, and eligible non-citizens. It is important to provide accurate information to avoid delays in processing.
Who needs to fill out the SSA SS-5 form?
Anyone who does not have a Social Security number or needs a replacement card must complete the SSA SS-5 form. This includes newborns, children, and adults who have never applied for an SSN. Additionally, individuals who have lost their Social Security card or need to update their personal information, such as a name change, should also submit this form. It is a crucial step for accessing various benefits and services.
How do I submit the SSA SS-5 form?
You can submit the SSA SS-5 form either in person or by mail. If you choose to apply in person, visit your local Social Security office. Make sure to bring the necessary documents to prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. If you prefer to mail the form, send it to your local Social Security office. Ensure that you include copies of the required documents, as original documents may not be returned.
What documents do I need to provide with the SSA SS-5 form?
When submitting the SSA SS-5 form, you must provide specific documents to support your application. These typically include proof of identity, such as a driver's license or passport, and proof of age, like a birth certificate. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to show immigration documents. Always check the Social Security Administration’s website or contact them for the most current list of acceptable documents to ensure a smooth application process.
Common mistakes
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Incomplete Information: One of the most common mistakes is failing to provide all required information. Applicants often leave out crucial details such as their full name, date of birth, or place of birth.
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Incorrect Social Security Number: If an applicant has previously been issued a Social Security Number (SSN), they must ensure that they enter it correctly. A simple typographical error can lead to delays in processing.
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Wrong Name Order: Some individuals mistakenly list their names in the wrong order. The SSA requires the first name, middle name (if applicable), and last name to be entered in a specific sequence.
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Not Signing the Form: Failing to sign the form is a frequent oversight. Without a signature, the SSA cannot process the application, leading to unnecessary delays.
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Using Unofficial Documents: Submitting documents that are not acceptable can result in rejection. It is essential to provide official documents such as birth certificates or passports to verify identity.
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Missing Supporting Documents: Applicants often forget to include necessary supporting documents. This can include proof of citizenship or immigration status, which is crucial for the SSA to process the application.
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Failure to Double-Check: Many people do not take the time to review their completed forms. A quick double-check can help catch errors before submission, saving time and frustration.
Documents used along the form
The SSA SS-5 form is essential for individuals applying for a Social Security number. However, several other forms and documents may be necessary to support your application or to provide additional information. Below is a list of commonly used documents that often accompany the SSA SS-5 form.
- Proof of Identity: This document verifies your identity and can include a U.S. passport, driver's license, or state-issued ID. It is crucial to ensure that the name on the identification matches the name on your application.
- Proof of Age: Acceptable documents include a birth certificate or a religious record of birth. This proof helps establish your age, which is necessary for various Social Security benefits.
- Proof of Citizenship or Immigration Status: U.S. citizens may provide a birth certificate or passport. Non-citizens need to submit immigration documents, such as a green card or visa, to confirm their legal status in the country.
- Marriage Certificate or Divorce Decree: If applicable, these documents are important for individuals changing their names or applying for benefits based on a spouse's work record. They help clarify any name changes and marital status.
Gathering these documents ahead of time can streamline the application process. Ensuring you have everything in order will help avoid delays and facilitate a smoother experience when applying for your Social Security number.
Similar forms
The SSA SS-5 form, used to apply for a Social Security number, shares similarities with the IRS Form W-4. Both documents require personal information such as name, address, and Social Security number. The W-4 form is specifically used by employees to inform their employers about their tax situation. This helps employers withhold the correct amount of federal income tax from employees' paychecks. Each form plays a crucial role in government processes, ensuring accurate record-keeping and compliance with regulations.
Another document that is comparable to the SSA SS-5 form is the U.S. Passport Application (Form DS-11). Like the SS-5, the passport application demands proof of identity and citizenship. Applicants must provide personal details, including their full name, date of birth, and place of birth. Both forms serve as gateways to essential identification documents, facilitating access to various services and benefits provided by the government.
The Voter Registration Form also bears resemblance to the SSA SS-5 form. Both documents require individuals to provide identifying information such as name, address, and date of birth. The purpose of the Voter Registration Form is to ensure that eligible citizens can participate in elections. Just as the SS-5 form is necessary for obtaining a Social Security number, the voter registration process is essential for civic engagement and participation in democracy.
The Driver's License Application is another document similar to the SSA SS-5 form. Both require personal information and proof of identity. When applying for a driver's license, individuals must submit details like their name, address, and date of birth. This form serves to verify that applicants meet the necessary requirements to operate a vehicle legally, similar to how the SS-5 establishes eligibility for a Social Security number.
Lastly, the Medicare Enrollment Form aligns with the SSA SS-5 in that it gathers personal information to provide access to government services. Individuals applying for Medicare must submit their name, address, and Social Security number, just as they do with the SS-5. Both forms facilitate access to vital health and financial benefits, underscoring the importance of accurate documentation in the administration of government programs.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the SSA SS-5 form, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here are nine things you should and shouldn't do:
- Do provide accurate personal information.
- Do use black or blue ink to fill out the form.
- Do double-check your entries for any mistakes.
- Do sign and date the form before submission.
- Do submit the form to your local Social Security office.
- Don't leave any required fields blank.
- Don't use correction fluid or tape on the form.
- Don't submit photocopies of the form unless specifically requested.
- Don't forget to include any necessary supporting documents.
Following these guidelines can help ensure that your application is processed efficiently and without unnecessary delays.
Misconceptions
The SSA SS-5 form is an important document for anyone seeking to obtain a Social Security number. However, several misconceptions surround this form. Below are five common misunderstandings, along with clarifications.
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Misconception 1: The SSA SS-5 form is only for U.S. citizens.
This is not true. While U.S. citizens use the form to apply for a Social Security number, non-citizens can also use it. Eligible non-citizens, such as lawful permanent residents, must complete the SS-5 to obtain their Social Security number.
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Misconception 2: You can only apply for a Social Security number when you turn 18.
This is incorrect. Individuals can apply for a Social Security number at any age. Infants, children, and adults can all submit the SSA SS-5 form to obtain a number.
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Misconception 3: The SSA SS-5 form requires a lot of complicated documentation.
The documentation needed is straightforward. Generally, applicants must provide proof of identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. Common documents include a birth certificate or passport.
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Misconception 4: You must apply for a Social Security number in person.
While some applicants may need to visit a Social Security office, many can complete the process online. The Social Security Administration offers online services for those who meet specific criteria.
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Misconception 5: Once you have a Social Security number, you never need to update it.
This is misleading. Changes in personal circumstances, such as a legal name change or immigration status, may require you to update your information with the Social Security Administration.
Understanding these misconceptions can help streamline the application process for a Social Security number. Being informed is key to ensuring a smooth experience.
Key takeaways
Filling out the SSA SS-5 form is a crucial step in obtaining a Social Security number. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- The SSA SS-5 form is used to apply for a new Social Security number, request a replacement card, or change your name on your card.
- Accurate information is essential. Ensure that all details, such as your name, date of birth, and place of birth, are correct to avoid delays.
- Supporting documents may be required. Prepare to provide proof of identity, age, and citizenship or lawful immigration status.
- The form can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office. Choose the method that is most convenient for you.
- Be aware of processing times. It may take several weeks to receive your Social Security card after submitting your application.
- If you have questions while filling out the form, resources are available. You can visit the Social Security Administration's website or contact their office for assistance.
Understanding these points can help streamline the application process and ensure that you receive your Social Security number without unnecessary complications.