CONFIA: IMMPOWERMENT INFO

Social Security Numbers and Cards

Can noncitizens get a Social Security Number What happens to a Social Security account if an
(SSN) and card? individual leaves the United States?

It depends. Only noncitizens in certain immigration statuses are The SSN number remains valid. However, generally, if an individual
allowed to apply and receive a Social Security number (SSN) and leaves the United States for more than six (6) months, he or she is
card. These include: no longer eligible for Social Security benefits. There are exceptions,
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) especially if the individual lived in the United States for a long period
- Noncitizens who have permission to work in the United States, such of time, or if he or she is a citizen of certain countries for which the
as U visa holders. United States has an agreement. If there is concern about receiving
- Noncitizens who need an SSN for certain public benefits not related benefits while abroad, visit the Social Security website at ssa.gov.
to employment. People in this situation should also speak with an attorney specializing
in Social Security benefits.
 he Social Security Administration will not issue an SSN solely for
T
the purposes of obtaining a driver’s license, or “cell phones, credit cards,
bank accounts, mortgages, marriage and professional licenses, various
forms of insurance, admission to academic institutions and financial aid What happens if someone uses a fake
for student loans.” SSN to work?

Does a Social Security card authorize Using a fake SSN is a crime, which can lead to jail time and
deportation from the United States.
work in the United States?

Not necessarily. An SSN, by itself, does not give permission to What if a person uses someone else’s SSN?
work or live in the United States. It just means an individual is part
of the Social Security system. Some noncitizens can obtain SSNs in
order to collect public benefits for which they are otherwise entitled. Using another person’s SSN is a form of identity theft and
Cards issued for this purpose will have an annotation “Not Valid for can lead to very serious criminal penalties. Even using an SSN with
Employment.” someone else’s permission, such as a family member, is not permitted.

Can an immigrant granted permission to work by What if someone gets a real SSN, but uses fake
the Department of Homeland Security obtain an information to get it?
SSN?
Once again, using false information to obtain a Social Security
card is a crime and makes the card invalid.
Yes. Immigrants who have permission to work in the United States,
even temporarily, can apply for an SSN.

Does an SSN expire?

No. Once an SSN has been assigned it is an individual’s unique

number for the rest of his or her life in the United States. However,
the individual’s work authorization may expire. The expiration of
work authorization does not invalidate an SSN but it does mean the
individual cannot continue to work until it is renewed.
Can a person continue to use a fake SSN or Can individuals pay taxes even though they are
someone else’s SSN once that person has not eligible for an SSN?
a valid SSN?
Yes. Taxpayers can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification
No. Once a person has a valid SSN that is the only number that Number (ITIN), which can be used instead of an SSN to track
person should use for employment, taxes, loans, mortgages or and file taxes.
anything else that requires it. FOR INFORMATION on the ITIN, visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
website at irs.gov. Taxpayers can also contact the Center for Economic
Although the law does not require that an employer terminate an Progress at (312) 252-0280 or economicprogress.org, or Ladder Up at
employee for having used a false identity, an employer may seek (312) 409-4719 or goladderup.org. For Ladder Up’s Spanish line, call
to terminate the employee for providing false information on the (312) 409-4318.
employment application. However, an employer cannot fire an
employee solely because he or she is an immigrant, and must apply Please remember that having an ITIN does not authorize the individual to
the same policy to everyone else. People in this situation may consider work in the United States.
consulting an employment attorney to advise them of their rights
before approaching their employer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION , visit the Department of Justice’s Office of Applying for a Social Security Card
Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices
website at justice.gov/crt/about/osc. Visit the SSA website, ssa.gov, for step-by-step directions on how
to apply for a Social Security number and card.
What can a person without an SSN do if a bank,
health insurance or other program requests an SSN? Remember that an applicant for a Social Security card must be
able to prove:
- U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status
First, make sure that person is eligible for the account or benefit - Work authorization (if not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident)
for which he or she is applying. Some applications require an SSN - Age and identity
as proof of U.S. citizenship or legal status, both of which may be
requirements for eligibility. The application can be mailed or hand delivered to the local
Social Security office. For a list of offices visit ssa.gov or call
If the person is eligible for the benefit, he or she can ask whether (800) 772-1213.
an alternate form of identification would be acceptable. In other
cases, the person may also request a letter from the Social Security
Administration that indicates he or she is not eligible for a Social
Security card.

Can someone without an SSN apply for a

driver’s license?

That depends on each state’s requirements. In Illinois, individuals

without an SSN can apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License
(TVDL). The TVDL allows them to drive in Illinois (when coupled with
insurance) but cannot be used for identification purposes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on how to apply for a TVDL, visit the Illinois
Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/
drivers/TVDL/home.html.

THIS FACT SHEET IS PROVIDED BY THE The information provided in this flyer is general in
Asylum & Immigration Law Clinic at DePaul University College of Law nature and is not intended to serve as legal advice or
in partnership with as a substitute for a consultation with an attorney.