Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get a Social Security number. Social Security numbers are used to report an person’s wages to the government and to determine a person’s eligibility for Social Security benefits. You need a Social Security number to work, collect Social Security benefits, and receive some other government services.
Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without a Social Security number. You don’t need a number to get a driver’s license, register for school, get private health insurance, apply for school lunch programs or subsidized housing.
If you aren’t authorized by DHS to work in the United States, you can get a Social Security number only if you can prove you need it for a valid non-work reason. That might happen if a state or federal law requires you to have a Social Security number to get benefits to which you have already established entitlement.
For more information please click here for the free Social Security Information Sheet.
If you would like help in getting a work card or green card that allows you to get your social security card, please click here to set up an appointment to meet with me.