NEW YORK – A Social Security card is a very important card that every American needs to have or any person who is in the United States as an immigrant. The process of filling for one is not as complicated as it appears especially if you know the social security card application process. Here are a few tips which you need to have at hand when you are looking to apply for the social security card either for the first time or making a replacement.
- Proof of Age
To begin the process you must prove your age, the most common that this is done is by the use of a birth certificate which can easily prove age. In the instance when the birth certificate there are other documents which are used to ascertain your age. You can provide hospital record from your birth, you can also provide a religious record which may show the date of your birth or you can provide your passport or driving license. These documents as much as they prove your age they can prove your citizenship.
- Proof of identity
The next thing which you need to prove is your identity, who you are. This can be done through submission of documents which bear your official names, date of birth and to make it more legit a picture of you. The documents which you may need to provide may include; driver license, a United States Passport or an ID card issued by the state of residence. In the event that these documents cannot be traced then a Military ID, School ID or the employee ID may be used.
- Immigration Status
Individuals who are not born in the United States and are immigrant are eligible to apply for the social security cards. However, they must first prove their immigration status. This means that they have to show that they are in the United States legally and they have to provide documents such as arrival and departure record, employment authorization documents and lawful permanent cards.
- Fill Form SS-5
In applying for the social security card whether physically or online, the form ss-5 is the form that one needs to fill. This is the form where one puts all the essential information listed and attaches all the documents required. One thing to keep in mind is that only original documents are accepted and once the card is processed the documents are mailed back with the social security card.
- Submit Application
There are two ways that you can submit your application once you are done filing it, one is to print it out and take it in person to the local social security offices. The next option is to email the application together with the original documents. Once this is done you just have to wait a couple of days as the social security verifies the documents then you will receive your social security card. You can also check the status of your application by phone or going there in person.