A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned to individuals by the U.S. government for tax and other purposes. The primary purpose of an SSN is to track an individual’s earnings and their contributions to the Social Security system, which is a federal program.

In addition to its use in the Social Security system, an SSN is used to track wages and reporting income to the government. You must have an SSN for employment, and often for banking and credit purposes. Many government agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), also use SSNs as a means of identifying individuals for tax reporting purposes.

You are required to have an SSN to be paid for work in the U.S. If you will work for Washington University, the university will need your SSN in order to pay you. Check with your hiring department to find out if you can start working while applying for an SSN.

Assigned for life

If you return to the U.S. in the future, you will have the same SSN. If you already have an SSN from a previous stay in the U.S., you do not need to apply for a new one.

What is a Social Security card?

A Social Security card lists your unique 9-digit SSN issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). The card (and your SSN) will be necessary to work in the U.S. and to file taxes. A Social Security card is NOT a work permit.

Example Social Security card:

Who is eligible to apply for an SSN?

Only students or scholars in active immigration status are eligible to apply for an SSN. If your SEVIS record is not “active,” the SSA will not be able to verify your immigration status.

IMPORTANT: Newly arrived F-1 and J-1 students must wait until they have entered the U.S., enrolled in classes at WashU, and completed the OISS immigration check-in process before applying for an SSN. We cannot update your SEVIS record to “active” (i.e., register or validate you in SEVIS) until after you have both enrolled in classes AND completed the required immigration check-in.

Students and scholars in active immigration status in the following situations may apply for an SSN:

  • F-1 students with a job offer for on-campus employment and approved SSN Supplement Form from OISS
  • F-1 students with approved CPT or OPT work authorization
  • J-1 students with a job offer and written work permission from their DS-2019 sponsor
  • J-1 visiting scholars
  • J-2 dependents with work permission from USCIS (Employment Authorization Document)
  • H-1B & O-1 visa holders
  • Individuals with other types of immigration status allowing employment

Please note: 

F-2 dependents are not eligible for Social Security Numbers.

Students who receive a stipend or a taxable scholarship and are NOT employed, should apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

Apply for an SSN

A note about WebSTAC numbers
(for students)

WebSTAC (Web Student Access) is a student’s access point to their academic record at WashU. When students are admitted, WebSTAC automatically assigns students a “dummy” 9-digit number if the admitted student does not have an SSN. This 9-digit number will start with either 999 or 998.

This number is NOT a Social Security number.

If you are ineligible to apply for an SSN

And you need to file taxes (as a scholarship or fellowship recipient):

Follow the steps to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

And you wish to apply for a Missouri drivers license or state ID card:

Under this circumstance, you can request that the SSA issue you a Form SSA-L676, “Refusal to Process SSN Application.” Individuals in the following immigration statuses need an SSA L-676 (SSN refusal letter) in order to apply for a Missouri Driver License or State Identification Card:

  • F-1 students without employment
  • F-2 dependent family members
  • J-2 dependent family members without employment authorization
  • H-4 dependent family members without employment authorization

Keep your SSN secure

Your SSN is sensitive, personal identification information. It is important to keep it safe and out of the hands of scammers who wish to use it to utilize your identity or credit history.

Tips to keep your SSN secure
  • Do not carry your Social Security card with you unless you need it for a specific purpose.
  • Memorize your SSN for times you will need it.
  • Do not type or write your SSN in the body of an email or text message.
  • Do not send your SSN or an image of your Social Security card as an email attachment.
  • Be careful sharing your SSN by email, text, voicemail, and fax. For example, your SSN could get intercepted and read after you send your information. There are sometimes ways to help keep your information safe — for instance, by using a VPN on an unprotected Wi-Fi network. But the safest way to share may be face to face with someone you know and trust.
  • OISS does not need a copy of your Social Security card and will never ask you for your SSN.
Common scenarios in which your SSN may be requested
  • When an employer is setting up payroll and tax paperwork at a new job.
  • When setting up a new bank account, opening a credit card, or applying for a loan.
  • When a business needs to check your credit in order to apply for an apartment, sign up for utilities, or get a contract-based mobile phone plan.
If you suspect your SSN has been compromised or used fraudulently

Call the Federal Trade Commission at 877-438-4338, or file a report with the agency online. You can also reach the fraud hotline for the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General at  800-269-0271, or submit a report to the SSA Inspector General office online.

The SSA offers the ability to block electronic access to your number. It could be a good option if you need to lock down your account following a fraud incident. Call 800-772-1213 to request a block.

Additional Resources