Do you HAVE to enter a Social Security number?

[SaharaSunset 165]

So we just got the EAD card yesterday but my husband started the process of looking for work when we got the first email a week ago. As we look at jobs posted etc, some of them ask for a social security number in the application. Although we are planning to go immediately on Monday an apply for one, I am wondering if we can just use his A-number or something while we wait for the SS number? One job even says you can enter the receipt number(after you have applied for one) - is that really possible?

And how long will that SS number take to get? I called the general Social Security Office a while ago and the lady(who was quite unpleasant and unhelpful) said something about it taking 8 weeks!?!? Is that true - or is it usually faster?? And if it does take 8 weeks, can we at least get the number beforehand?

He has the EAD and wants to work ASAP...any info would be appreciated

Edited March 18, 2012 by SaharaSunset

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Yes he needs the SS number. It is how his wages are reported to the government. It will take a bit for it to process. He could tell the company that his SS number is in process and ask that they consider the appication ( for a yes no decision ) but the day he is hired and works he needs it.

[Inky 1,110]

No you cannot just enter the A number while waiting for the SSN number they are two completely different things.

He must have the SSN to work.

[Darnell 8,478]

Please to study the I-9 form, today, when you get a chance.

re: SSN apply on Monday - go for it !

Can come back on Tuesday and get the actual number, if there were no glitches in the SAVE database lookup on Monday at the SSA office.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

They shouldn't be asking for a SSN in a job application, though. It's not relevant until he is hired.

[SaharaSunset 165]

Okay, thanks for the info! One of the jobs requesting a social is a job in a public school, maybe that's why they asked. But now I'm kinda wondering what's the point of an EAD if you need a social security number anyway??

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

A SSN is not the right to work. A SSN is so that a person can pay into, and later benefit from, the Social Security System, which gives money to the elderly. He needs EAD to work, and he needs the number so his wages can be recorded in the SS system.

[missicy 87]

They shouldn't be asking for a SSN in a job application, though. It's not relevant until he is hired.

A lot of job applications ask for it, though. My job did a background check and verified SSN before I was hired.

[Maria TH 20]

Please note that you have to wait 10 working days after the EAD issuing date before SS office can process your SSN.

My EAD card says "Valid from 01/20/12"

I got the card in my mail box on Saturday 01/28

First thing on Monday, 01/30/2012, I went to SS office.

The officer told me that my data was still not in the system and I had to wait for 10 "working days" (the day I went was day 6th). She kept my paper and told me that she will process it when the time come and that I should get my SSN in the mailbox in around 2-3 weeks. So I left my application and all paper there.

2 weeks later, on Friday, Feb 10th, I got a phone call from the same officer, asked me to come in to SS office due to she have tried to process it but she still couldn't find my data in the system. So she wanted to see all the original paper like EAD card number, passport number, I-94 number.. to check if she had everything right.

I went there, she still could not process it, no data of my EAD in the system. She told me she had to send mail to the Homeland Security to validate my status and that will take me another 3-4 weeks to get my SSN.

My thought was she should have tried to process my case since Feb 3rd, as that was day 10th since my EAD card has been valid. I could have saved 1 week by going there by myself again on that day, not just left all the paper with her.

I finally got my SSN in the mail box on March 3rd.

So all in all, it took me 5 weeks since my first visit to SS office to get my SSN. (I think normal time should be less than 2 weeks)

[VanessaTony 3,567]

They shouldn't be asking for a SSN in a job application, though. It's not relevant until he is hired.

Ditto to another posted that said - I had to give mine for a background check. it really depends on the job and you should use your discretion but remember that your SSN is "you" and just handing it out to sources you don't trust can result in people stealing your identity and stuff like that.

Okay, thanks for the info! One of the jobs requesting a social is a job in a public school, maybe that's why they asked. But now I'm kinda wondering what's the point of an EAD if you need a social security number anyway??

Yep that's right. They will need it for a background check. Working with kids is like that