On this page:
- What rules govern Social Security numbers?
- Who is eligible for a Social Security number?
- How do you apply for a Social Security number?
- How do immigrants get a Social Security number through the immigration process?
- How many replacement Social Security cards can a person get?
- Can you cancel or expunge your Social Security number after losing US citizenship or green card status?
What rules govern Social Security numbers?
The Social Security Act regulations set specific rules for Social Security numbers (SSNs) at § 422.103, titled “Social security numbers.” These rules cover how a person applies for an SSN, how to obtain a replacement Social Security card, how SSNs are assigned, and how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can have an agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA) on issuing SSNs to people who have immigrated to the United States.
Who is eligible for a Social Security number?
Form SS-5 explains the general requirements for an SSN as set forth in the law. To qualify for an SSN and a card, an individual must be one of the following:
- a U.S. citizen,
- a person with lawful, work-authorized immigration status, or
- a person with a valid non-work reason for requesting an SSN and a card.
How do you apply for a Social Security number?
Applications for an SSN are completed on Form SS-5, which is located on the SSA’s website. Form SS-5 sets out the general requirements for an SSN as established in the law, including that the applicant be a U.S. citizen, have lawful work-authorized immigration status, or have a valid non-work reason for requesting a number and card.
How do immigrants get a Social Security number through the immigration process?
Under § 422.103(b)(3), the “Immigration form” rule, SSA may enter into an agreement with the Department of State (DOS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to collect enumeration data as part of the immigration process. Where such an agreement is in effect, an alien need not complete a Form SS-5 with SSA. Instead, the person may request, through DOS or DHS as part of the immigration process, that SSA assign a Social Security number and issue a card. These requests are made on forms provided by DOS and DHS.
How many replacement Social Security cards can a person get?
The regulations limit how many replacement Social Security cards a person may receive. An individual may obtain a maximum of 10 replacement cards over a lifetime.
Can you cancel or expunge your Social Security number after losing US citizenship or green card status?
There appears to be no statutory or regulatory rule in the law that allows an individual to “expunge” or otherwise terminate a Social Security number once it has been obtained. This appears to remain the case even after a person loses U.S. citizen (USC) or lawful permanent resident (LPR, or green card) status. The assigned number generally stays in place. Anyone weighing the tax or immigration consequences of giving up citizenship or a green card may want to consult an experienced attorney.
