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A guide to first timers in the US - part I
Getting a social security number should be on top of your list of priorities if you plan to work and live in the US. In the first of this three-part series on working in the US, we talk about how you should go about getting your SSN and its importance.
All doors open with a social security number
You have got your Visa stamped in your passport, got the airline ticket and a hot job offer in the US of A. This is the first time you are going to the BIG place. Understandably, you are nervous and excited as well.
You would need to be prepared for a culture shock. You can, however, make it easy for yourself by learning and understanding the US systems right here to ensure that your initial paperwork moves smoothly. This series of articles is an attempt to ensure that you hit the deck running.
The issues that will be covered include:
Getting a social security number
Credit cards
Opening a bank account
Buying a car & getting a driving license
Finding an apartment & furnishing it
Getting a social security number should top your list of "things to do" when you land in the US. Once you get your SSN, the rest of the things on the list above would be smooth sailing.
What exactly is social security? It is a program that the US government uses to pay money to older people who are retired, sick, those who are too disabled to work, and the families of workers who have died. Unlike most countries, the United States does not issue national identification cards.
The closest thing is the social security number. It is a number issued by the Social Security Administration to each individual living and working in the United States. It is required by banks for opening accounts, by driver’s license bureaus for issuing licenses, and by employers for issuing paychecks. It is required on credit applications, insurance applications, and a variety of other transactions. Your social security number is the mechanism through which a portion of your earnings is retained for future disbursement in the event you retire in the United States. It is important to obtain a legal social security number and to use only that number while you are in the United States.
The Social Security System was introduced in 1935 and because many people use more than one name over a lifetime or share the same name, a numerical identifier was selected. The SSN is a nine-digit number and follows the logic given below.
The first set of three digits is called the Area Number, assigned by the geographical region. The geographical code represents the state in which the person was living at the time they filed their application. The second set of two digits is called the Group Number. Within each area, the group numbers (the middle two digits) range from 01 to 99 allocated to a State. The final set of four digits is the Serial Number. Within each group, the serial numbers (last four (4) digits) run consecutively from 0001 through 9999.
Your employer should help you in the process of getting the SSN. However, obtaining a social security number is a very simple procedure. Go to the nearest social security office and fill out the form (For the address, check at the office where you work). The social security office will require your passport, (documents that show your age, and who you are) and that you are a lawful alien (visa and employment verification). There is no fee charged. Once you submit the form, you will receive your social security number by post within 1-2 weeks.
You get to keep this number. You can use it during subsequent visits. It’s your prime identity and your whole life in the US circles around it. Your bank accounts, credit cards, taxes, loans, driving records pretty much every thing depend on it. It’s also used for security, if you engage in tele banking or trade in stocks or any other financial transactions you’ll be asked for your SSN.
Remember it’s like your fingerprint. The SSN is unique and is not re-issued. It is also tied to your passport number, date of birth and mother’s maiden name. It’s yours for lifetime in fact after death too and not re-issued even after death!
Here are some important points to remember about US social security numbers:
Never give out your social security number to anyone unless it is absolutely necessary! Social security numbers cannot be issued to dependant aliens i.e. spouse and children ... in case you are in the US with your family. Remember it’s compulsory. It is important to obtain a legal social security number as soon as you land up for work in the US. And use only that number while in the United States.
Get more information on working in the US at the Web site http://www.ssa.gov/
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