Social Security Card (SSC)

1st category

For whom: US citizens and aliens permanently residing in the US

Work Permit: Unrestricted work permit

2nd category

For whom: Temporary resident aliens in the US

Work Permit: Temporary work permit, endorsement: "Valid for work only with DHS (Department of Homeland Security) Authorization".

3rd category

For whom: Mainly for "welfare" applicants, for example: socially vulnerable families or physically or mentally disabled persons.

Work Permit: No work permit, note: "Not valid for Employment"

The social security number (SSN) is primarily used to notify US authorities of the holder's salary so that individual social benefits can be calculated, to which the person is entitled. The registration for tax is also made via the social security number.

In addition, a wide range of business transactions processed in the USA with the help of the social security number. These are, for example:

• Taking up a job
• The registration of a phone
• The current registration
• Opening a bank account

This social security number consists of 9 digits (XXX-YY-ZZZZ) and is assigned only once per person, i.e. each person has the same number throughout his or her life.

The following groups of persons receive a social security number in the USA:

• US citizen
• Lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder)
• Certain visa holders (e.g. E-1 visas, E-2 visas, H-1B visas, L-1 visas or O-1 visas)

Generally, most US citizens over the age of 12 already have a social security number and therefore do not need to reapply for it at a later date.

If you have lost or had your social security card stolen, you can request a new one through the aforementioned application process.

It is better not to have the social security card with you, but to keep it in a safe place, as it is a very important document and considerable damage can occur if it falls into the wrong hands.