Social Security Number (SSN) is a United States personal identification number, very similar to the CPF in Brazil.
Social Security Numbers give the government access to your personal data, and in addition, companies can find information about your financial life.
WHO CAN HAVE A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
According to U.S. law, people can get a Social Security Number if:
They are American citizens;
They are permanent residents who have a Green Card;
They are temporary workers, that means, those who have a U.S. work visa;
They are exchange students who have been granted permission to work on the campus of the educational institution.
WHAT IS NEEDED TO HAVE A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
In order to get a Social Security Number, you must be a U.S. citizen, have a Green Card, or have a U.S. temporary work visa. SSN is permanent.
Non-residents who intend to do business can get an ITIN Number, issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. SSN is a document for U.S. residents, whereas ITIN is for non-U.S. residents.
WHAT THE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IS FOR
For any activity regarding payment, the SSN is required, as it enables you to receive and pay the necessary taxes to the U.S. government. SSN is also required to work legally and to have access to banking transactions.
In addition, SSN also enables you to monitor your financial transactions, such as bank accounts, credit cards, and a credit score that companies use to measure the risk of granting credit, and also tax and social security benefits.
HOW TO KEEP THE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER SAFE
The SSN cannot be given to any institution, store, or person, because this number is linked to accounts and transactions, and thus can cause fraudulent transactions or even identity theft. Therefore, do not provide information about your SSN on employment forms or over the phone.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
The process to apply for the SSN takes time, so you should apply as soon as possible if you meet the necessary requirements. You must fill out the form on the Social Security website and then go to your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office with the required documents, including the authorization to work. The SSN card is sent to your address.
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