Obtaining a Social Security Card
What is a social security number?
A social security number (SSN) helps the U.S. government correctly identify and record covered wages and employment earnings. Please note that this is a sensitive document that must be stored securely. Your number and card could be used by a dishonest person to assume your identity. Please make sure that you do not share your social security number unless you are sure it is for a legitimate reason.
Learn more about your social security number and how to protect it [PDF]
Who is eligible?
Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get an SSN. F-1 students who have an on-campus job are eligible. J-1 students and scholars are eligible with sponsor approval.
What documents are required for application?
F-1 Students
- SS-5 application for Social Security - complete online!
- Supervisor Form Letter (Department/Supervisor must print this document on their own letterhead and complete and sign in ink)
- Students will upload the ink signed document via iCats when requesting the ISSS Attestation Letter
- ISSS Attestation Letter (Please note you must be enrolled full time in order to be eligible for the ISSS Form Letter: 9 credit hours for graduate students and 12 credit hours for undergraduate students)
- Request using iCats
- Log in and click on International Office in the left hand pane
- Click SSN Letter Request under Tasks in the center of the screen
- Complete eform, upload supervisor form letter, and submit request
- Request using iCats
- I-20 (electronic signature from DSO is acceptable)
- Passport (Original)
- I-94 (Printed Copy)
J-1 Students and Scholars
- SS-5 application for Social Security - complete online!
- DS-2019 (Original)
- Passport (Original)
- I-94 (Printed Copy)
- Department Offer Letter (You can learn more about the letter requirements and find templates here)
- J-1 Students Only: ISSS Work Authorization Letter
- Request using iCats
- Log in and click on International Office in the left hand pane
- Click SSN Letter Request under Tasks in the center of the screen
- Complete eform, upload department offer letter, and submit request
- Request using iCats
- J-1 Scholars Only: Invitation Letter -- your department provided this when you were invited to visit OHIO
Next Steps?
After you submit your online request successfully, you must visit your local Social Security office or card center with your documentation within 45 calendar days. You may be eligible to schedule an appointment before visiting your local field office or card center. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a Social Security card with your number on it by mail within 14 days.
If you move at any time during the process of applying for Social Security, it is crucial that you let the Athens SSN office know your new address right away.
What do I do with my social security card once I receive it?
- You must show your card, in person, to the Human Resources team.
- Set an appointment using the HR website. Please set an in-person appointment (15 minutes) – the service box on the top left of the screen.
- Update your Glacier account with your new SSN!
For any questions regarding Glacier please contact payroll@ohio.edu.