International Students and Social Security or What is a Social Security Number?

If you have been in the USA for even a brief while you no doubt have heard the term Social Security and Social Security Number many times.  This post is to assist you in determining whether you need a USA Social Security Number and if so how to go about applying for one.

 If you have not learned as yet, Social Security is an American program which provides services and benefits to United States Citizens.  These programs and benefits are categorized and accessed by The Social Security Administration, a United States Government Agency.  In order to utilize these services a United States citizen must first of all obtain a Social Security Identification Number. This number is issued by that same agency. 

The number issued to an individual is also used by other organizations.  One in particular is the Internal Revenue Service, the IRS. Employers in the USA, are required to report employee's earnings using this number to identify the worker. If you are permitted to work during your stay in the USA you will need a Social Security Number.  If you would like more information of a Social Security Number and how you can apply for one use this link.