All about SSN ( Social Security Number)- ISO SJSU.

This post has been made simple and is for you to get a gist about SSN, Procedure to Apply for it and the benefits of having an SSN. The Key thing about SSN is at Bottom, Don't forget to read it!

                                                SSN - Social Security Number. 

SSN is a 9 digit Number ( in the form : xxx-xx-xxxx )  issued by Social Security Administration (SSA) on the Social Security Card as above(Sample image), to people who are Legally in United states. In order to Start Working in US you should have a Social Security Number for yourself ( solely Yourself, that number cannot be shared with others!!). You can apply for it if you are eligible to work in United states Legally ( on - campus or  If you become authorized to work in the US during your CPT Period, OPT Period read more about off-campus employment CPT and OPT here  in the previous post : http://iso-sjsu.blogspot.com/2014/08/all-about-cpts-and-opts-at-san-jose.html ).  In order to become part of the Social Security system, you must have lawful alien status, permission by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to work in the U.S., and a Social Security Number.

How to Apply for SSN ?

There is a Social Security Administration office in each and every county of US. The nearest one to San Jose State University is at 280 S 1st St San Jose, CA 95113.  or You may find your nearest SSA office using the online Social Security Office Locator, or by calling the Social Security Administration's national toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213. The application process is FREE. you will just need to go to the nearest SSA office. You might need to go early if you wanted to start an application to get an SSN because there will be long lines if it gets Late and "TIMINGS on WEDNESDAY is only from 9am untill 12pm!!).

You will need your Offer letter from the employer, passport ( or any identification document such as California drivers license: read more on how you can get that here : http://iso-sjsu.blogspot.com/2014/09/how-to-apply-for-california-dl.html ), to apply for SSN.  You will get Your SSN in 4-5 Bussiness days after applying. Once you have your SSN you will be eligible for the following benifits.

Benefits for Non-US Citizens, Immigrants, Non-immigrants : 

1) Actually speaking, when people who are working become disabled, or become ill and cannot work due to aging, disabilities , SSA gives pension to them on monthly basis. SSA( Social Security Administration ) collects taxes from every employer in the United states and spend it for every one who is disabled,unable to work. once you retire, all the taxes that you have paid will come to you in the form of pension to you.

2) It is like a form of Proof to get Loan, Credit Card,Bank account, because no one else knows that except himself/herself.

3) You will be eligible for the Local County's Medical benefits. As San Jose Comes under Santa Clara County , you can read more about Medical benefits here : http://www.sccgov.org/sites/ssa/Department%20of%20Employment%20-%20Benefit%20Services/Documents/scd2235_english.pdf . 

 You don't need to pay the taxes unless you are on Temporary work permit in United states ( unless it is mentioned in your offer letter but most of them will need to pay taxes).   

Types of Social Security Cards Issued
When you receive a Social Security Card, it will be one of three types of Social Security Cards:

• The first type of Social Security Card is the card most people have, and has been issued since 1935. It shows the person's name and Social Security Number / SSN, and it lets the person work without restriction. The Social Security Administration issues it to U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens.
  
• The second type of Social Security Card bears the legend "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT." The Social Security Administration issues it to people from other countries who are lawfully admitted to the United States without U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) work authorization, but who need a Social Security Number / SSN because of a federal, state or local law requiring a Social Security Number to get a benefit or service.
  
• The Social Security Administration began issuing the third type of Social Security Card in 1992. It bears the legend "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION." It is issued to people who are admitted to the United States on a temporary basis with authorization to work from USCIS (an agency within the Department of Homeland Security).

How Much Are My Social Security Taxes? How Are They Calculated? 

Social Security taxes, also known as FICA (Federal Insurance Contribution Act) are usually withheld from your salary. As an employee, you are taxed 7.65%, which covers both Social Security and Medicare (the government health insurance program providing coverage to people age 65 and over).

The Social Security part of the tax is 6.20% of gross wages (wages before any deductions) up to $76,200. The Medicare tax is 1.45% of all earnings.

Your employer is required to contribute an additional 7.65% to match your contribution. If you are self-employed, you pay Social Security taxes equal to the combined employee/employer tax (15.3%), which you must remit to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on a regular basis (although half of this tax is deductible as a business cost).

KEY THINGS : 

Lost/replacement SSN : You can go to the nearest SSA office to apply for the ssn card ( won't be a new number). don't get panicked if you lost your SSN. Check with the SSA office by calling their toll free number to notify them about the status of your SSN card. You won't be charged to get a new card ( same number). 

Don't carry your SSN with you unless you are required to. Keep it in a safe place with your other important papers.

Never Share the SSN with Anyone!! 

SSN stands as a prime source for IDENTITY THEFT. if someone got your SSN then they can do any illegal transaction and as you know that you pay tax on your salary, every payment made to you by your employer will be recorded in Your History!! so, anything illegal will also come on to your history. 

BEWARE, Take Care. If you have any questions , feel free to comment on this post.
Have a great days ahead.!!