Social Security
Basic Page Sidebar Menu ISSS
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, all Social Security Administration offices have suspended most face-to-face services. Please monitor the Administration's website for updates. Students who need to schedule an appointment to apply for an SSN should reach out to their local SSA office for further assistance. The Philadelphia SSA office can be reached at 1-877-541-5846.
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration, an agency of the United States government. It is used primarily by employers and employees for tax-reporting purposes.
Note that a Penn-issued number is not an SSN, and is for internal use only.
You will need to apply for a Social Security number if you will hold employment in the US, including on-campus positions. The employer will use your unique Social Security Number to withhold taxes on earnings. You will also need to use your social security number when you file a tax return.
International students and scholars need to have authorized employment to apply for a Social Security Number. J-1 scholars may generally use a letter issued by ISSS as proof of employment.
No. You must appear in person at the Social Security Administration office.
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Students and J-1 Scholars: Wait 10 business days from the date you attend ISSS orientation before applying for your SSN.
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Once you receive your Social Security Card (approximately 2-6 weeks via mail), UPDATE the following:
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Your University records (i.e. the registrar and tax office)
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Your personal records (banks, employer, etc.)
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SCHOLARS: if employed at Penn you must also update your department’s business administrator & Corporate Tax Officer
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A Social Security Number will only be granted if it is needed for employment purposes. If you are not eligible for an SSN, please review Handling Practical Matters without a Social Security Number
Gather the Required Documents
Click on the titles below to view what documents you will need to apply for a Social Security Number.
NOTE: All Social Security Number applicants must complete and print out the Social Security Card application (Form SS-5).
On-Campus Employment
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Social Security: On-Campus Work Authorization for F-1 and J-1 Students
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F-1 and J-1 students seeking a SSN for on-campus employment are required to complete the form.
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You will complete Part A, while the hiring department will complete Parts B and C.
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Submit the completed form via the Social Security Letter Request for On-Campus Employment e-form in iPenn.
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ISSS Social Security Letter (request this letter via the Social Security Letter Request for On-Campus Employment e-form in iPenn)
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I-20 or DS-2019
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Passport, visa stamp, printout of I-94 record
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Letter from On-Campus Employer (optional)
Off-Campus Employment
- For F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
Note: Your application will not be processed more than 30 days in advance of the CPT employment start date.-
I-20, endorsed for CPT
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Passport, visa stamp, printout of I-94 record
- For F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT):
Note: Your application will not be processed until the employment start date on the OPT EAD card has been reached.-
I-20, endorsed for OPT
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Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
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Passport, visa stamp, printout of I-94 record
- For J-1 Student Academic Training (AT):
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ISSS Academic Training Authorization Letter
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DS-2019, endorsed for Academic Training
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Passport, visa stamp,printout of I-94 record
H-1B, O-1, TN, E-3
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Social Security Letter completed and signed by ISSS
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Employment Offer Letter
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Original I-797 Approval (TN and E-3 will only have I-797 if case is processed by USCIS in the US instead obtaining status upon entry to US)
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Passport, visa (stamp), I-94 card (if issued paper I-94) or printout of I-94 record (if issued electronic I-94)
J-1 Scholars
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Social Security Letter completed and signed by ISSS
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DS-2019
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Passport, visa (stamp), printout of I-94 record
On-Campus Employment
-
Social Security: On-Campus Work Authorization for F-1 and J-1 Students
-
F-1 and J-1 students seeking a SSN for on-campus employment are required to complete the form.
-
You will complete Part A, while the hiring department will complete Parts B and C.
-
Submit the completed form via the Social Security Letter Request for On-Campus Employment e-form in iPenn.
-
-
ISSS Social Security Letter (request this letter via the Social Security Letter Request for On-Campus Employment e-form in iPenn)
-
I-20 or DS-2019
-
Passport, visa stamp, printout of I-94 record
-
Letter from On-Campus Employer (optional)
Off-Campus Employment
- For F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
Note: Your application will not be processed more than 30 days in advance of the CPT employment start date.-
I-20, endorsed for CPT
-
Passport, visa stamp, printout of I-94 record
- For F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT):
Note: Your application will not be processed until the employment start date on the OPT EAD card has been reached.-
I-20, endorsed for OPT
-
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
-
Passport, visa stamp, printout of I-94 record
- For J-1 Student Academic Training (AT):
-
ISSS Academic Training Authorization Letter
-
DS-2019, endorsed for Academic Training
-
Passport, visa stamp,printout of I-94 record
H-1B, O-1, TN, E-3
-
Social Security Letter completed and signed by ISSS
-
Employment Offer Letter
-
Original I-797 Approval (TN and E-3 will only have I-797 if case is processed by USCIS in the US instead obtaining status upon entry to US)
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Passport, visa (stamp), I-94 card (if issued paper I-94) or printout of I-94 record (if issued electronic I-94)
J-1 Scholars
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Social Security Letter completed and signed by ISSS
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DS-2019
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Passport, visa (stamp), printout of I-94 record
Once you have gathered the required documents (including Form SS-5), you will need to make an appointment with a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to finalize your application. Be sure to ask for a receipt to verify your submission.
Philadelphia SSA Office |
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| Address | 2 Penn Center, Suite 2000B, 1500 JFK Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102 |
| Phone Number | 1-877-541-5846 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 9 am – 3:30 pm |
| Website | https://www.ssa.gov/phila/ |
Location of the Philadelphia SSA Office
Handling Practical Matters Without a Social Security Number
There are a variety of services you can obtain without having a Social Security Number.
PLEASE NOTE: these details are for informational purposes only. Requirements are subject to change without notice.
Opening a Bank Account
This is not an exclusive list of banking options.
Commerce Bank, Citizens Bank, PNC Bank, Student Federal Credit Union:
Present the following documents in place of a SSN:
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A valid passport
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A valid Penn ID
Be sure to contact a representative of the bank for the most up to date information on opening an account. For more information on banking visit the Financial Matters section of our site.
Off-Campus Housing
Present the following documents in place of a SSN:
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A valid passport
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A letter of acceptance from your school
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A copy of your I-20/DS-2019 to prove financial resources
For more information visit the Housing section of this site.
PA Driver's License/State ID
Present the following documents in place of a SSN:
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A valid passport
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I-94 card
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Visa
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A letter of denial/indecision from the Philadelphia Social Security Card Center
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An I-20/DS-2019 with a program end date that is at least one year away
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Two proofs of residency (see ISSS’s Obtaining a Pennsylvania Driver’s License or ID Card handout)
For more information consult the PennDOT Fact Sheet and the PA Driver's License section of our site.
PECO Energy Company
Present the following documents in place of a SSN at PECO's office located at 23rd and Market Street:
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A valid passport
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A valid Penn ID
Cell Phone
Be sure to contact a representative of the cell phone company for the most up to date information on what documents are needed to obtain a cell phone.
Opening a Bank Account
This is not an exclusive list of banking options.
Commerce Bank, Citizens Bank, PNC Bank, Student Federal Credit Union:
Present the following documents in place of a SSN:
-
A valid passport
-
A valid Penn ID
Be sure to contact a representative of the bank for the most up to date information on opening an account. For more information on banking visit the Financial Matters section of our site.
Off-Campus Housing
Present the following documents in place of a SSN:
-
A valid passport
-
A letter of acceptance from your school
-
A copy of your I-20/DS-2019 to prove financial resources
For more information visit the Housing section of this site.
PA Driver's License/State ID
Present the following documents in place of a SSN:
-
A valid passport
-
I-94 card
-
Visa
-
A letter of denial/indecision from the Philadelphia Social Security Card Center
-
An I-20/DS-2019 with a program end date that is at least one year away
-
Two proofs of residency (see ISSS’s Obtaining a Pennsylvania Driver’s License or ID Card handout)
For more information consult the PennDOT Fact Sheet and the PA Driver's License section of our site.
PECO Energy Company
Present the following documents in place of a SSN at PECO's office located at 23rd and Market Street:
-
A valid passport
-
A valid Penn ID
Cell Phone
Be sure to contact a representative of the cell phone company for the most up to date information on what documents are needed to obtain a cell phone.
