quick question, my wife has an ITIN but not a SS number. do we need to get a SS# if she already has a ITIN ? will appyling for SS be a problem if we already have the ITIN?

If she wants to be assigned an SSN, which I suggest that she does want one, that she should check the questions on the DS-230. If it works as it should she will receive an SSN card within 3 weeks after entering the U.S. Then she needs to contact the IRS ITIN office so that the ITIN can be voided.

You can contact the ITIN office by calling 1-215-516-4846.

RM 00202.315 Enumeration At Entry
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100202315

Answer "Yes" to Questions 33a. and 33b.on Form DS-230

You will then need to allow at least 3 weeks to see if the Enumeration
At Entry process works. If you don't receive your SSN card within 3
weeks it's time to head on down to your friendly neighborhood
SSA office.

Find office:

http://www.ssa.gov/locator

If you have been assigned an SSN the office can provide you with the
number. However, it is has been over 14 days from the day the SSN was
assigned and you haven't received the card you will probably need to
apply for a replacement card.

Take proof of age, identity and work authorized alien status. Proof of
age is not needed for a replacement card.

Birth certificate, passport and I-551 card or MRIV with temporary I-551
language should be enough to take into the SSA office.

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203410
RM 00203.410 Evidence of Alien Status for an SSN Card for an Alien Lawfully Admitted for Permanent Residence

B. KINDS OF EVIDENCE ESTABLISHING LAPR STATUS

-- I-551, Permanent Resident Card
-- Machine Readable Immigrant Visa with Temporary I-551 Language

Note: The MRIV shows the alien's identification number ("A" number) as
the "Registration Number" in the upper right-hand corner of the MRIV.

If you apply in the SSA office for an original SSN or replacement card
the SSA office will try to verify your status through the SAVE system
while your are in the office. If they can't, they will send a form G-845
to immigration for manual verification.

If the SSA office does send the G-845, I suggest that you go back to the
SSA office every couple weeks with your documents to (1) ask them to
check SAVE again (2) ask if they sent a G-845 (3) if yes, did it come
back (4) after 30 days ask if they have followed up on the G-845 by
calling or sending another mark "second request."
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http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203720
RM 00203.720 Verifying Immigration Documents
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http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203735
RM 00203.735 Requesting Online (Primary) Verification By SAVE
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After having waited at least 30 days and your local SSA office doesn't
seem too concerned you can try contacting the SSA Regional Office (RO)
responsible for your state:

http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/natlpocontacts.html

Refer them to this:

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203740
RM 00203.740 Requesting Additional (Manual) Verification By DHS

B. PROCEDURE – HOW TO REQUEST MANUAL VERIFICATION

STEP 6

DHS should respond to SSA within 15 federal work days after receiving
the Form G-845. If DHS does not respond within 15 federal work days from
the receipt of the G-845 from SSA, follow-up with the DHS, USCIS
ImmigrationStatus office. (Allow 15 days plus five additional federal work days of
mail time for the G-845 to be received at and returned from DHS.

Follow local practice to follow-up with DHS. Some SSA offices have an
arrangement with the DHS, USCIS office to telephone for the follow-up
contact; other SSA offices send a copy of the original G-845 annotated
“second request.”) If the DHS response is still not received within 15
federal work days after the follow-up contact (if the follow-up is by
mail allow five additional federal work days of mail time for the G-845
to be received at and returned from DHS), make a second follow-up
contact. If the DHS response is not received within 15 federal workdays
(again, if the follow-up is by mail, allow five additional federal work
days of mail time for the G-845 to be received at and returned from
DHS), after two follow-ups, contact the RO. Also report to the RO any
trend that shows a serious deviation by DHS from the above time frames.
The RO will consult with central office.