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Obtain a Social Security Card

A social security card serves as official verification of the social security number assigned to the person whose name is on the card. It’s important to obtain a social security card and number because many financial institutions, such as banks and credit card companies, ask for your social security number to open an account. Additionally, you will also need a social security number to obtain employment.  

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. 

Application Process

Step 1: Gather Required Documents 

Click your visa type to learn what documents you need to apply for a Social Security Card.

F-1 Students
  • (Department/Supervisor must print this document on their own letterhead and complete and sign in ink)
    • Students must 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
  • I-20 (electronic signature from DSO is acceptable)
  • Passport (Original)
  • I-94 (Printed Copy)

J-1 Students and Scholars
  • DS-2019 (Original)
  • Passport (Original)
  • I-94 (Printed Copy)
  • Department Offer Letter
  • 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
  • J-1 Scholars Only: Invitation Letter — your department provided this when you were invited to visit OHIO

Step 2: Apply

Once you have gathered all required documents, you can complete the SS-5 application for Social Security online.

Step 3: Visit Local Social Security Office or Card Center

After you submit your online request successfully, you must visit your local Social Security office or card center in person 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 Social Security office know your new address right away.

Next Steps After Receiving Your Card 

  • You must show your card, in person, to the Human Resources team.
    • . Please set an in-person appointment (15 minutes) by selecting the service box on the top left of the screen.
  • Update your with your new SSN

For any questions regarding Glacier please contact payroll@ohio.edu.