Social Security Number | Abilene Christian University

What is a Social Security Number?

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a permanent nine-digit identification number/card issued by the United States Government. It is used primarily for taxing income in order to provide retirement and medical benefits. Some organizations use SSNs to identify you in their records. Most, however, will identify you by some other means if you request it.

For tax purposes, anyone receiving income must provide a Social Security number to their U.S. employer. Each individual who receives an SSN uses this number for life.

The SSN is not work authorization. While employers need a SSN to properly tax wages, an SSN is not proof of work authorization.

F-1 and J-1 students who are offered employment for which they have work authorization, (such as on-campus employment, CPT or OPT) may apply for an SSN. The OISVS offers a letter attesting to the student’s immigration status which you will bring to the SSN office when you apply.

If you are employed by ACU, be sure to report your social security number back to ACU’s Human Resources department and put it in your Glacier account.

Students should carefully guard their SSN number, since it is often sought by identity thieves. Don’t carry the card with you on a regular basis, but leave it in a safe place. See this publication for more information.

If you have been offered a job:

The instructions on this page are what you need to do after you have received a job offer. If you would like more information on how to find a job or confirm eligibility, you can visit our International Student Employment page or contact OISVS for more help.

Process

Step 1 | Get an SSN Letter

After you receive a job offer, go to the Human Resources office (2nd floor) with your documents and complete your new-hire paperwork (I-9).
2. Complete the International Student On-Campus employment forms on the OISVS website here. This will serve as your request for the SSN letter also.
3. Once Lucy has issued your letter, you will receive an email from the OISVS office letting you know that it is ready for you to pick up.

NOTE: Chartwells and Bookstore employees will need a letter from the employer verifying the employer’s name, contact information, and EIN number, along with the student’s name, the start date, the position title, and the number of hours a week. Be sure this document has an original signature, not digital.

Step 2 | Supervisor’s Signature

Students working for ACU will need to get their supervisor’s signature on the social security letter (page 2).

Step 3 | The SSN Application

Once you have gotten your supervisor’s signature, you will need to fill out this online SSN application form.
Make an appointment with the Social Security Office
- Phone Number: (1-877-607-9525)
After you submit your online application form, you will need to bring the following documents with you to your appointment (must be scheduled within 45 calendar days).

Step 4 | Report your SSN number to your employer.

If your employer is ACU, give your number to the HR office in Admin Rm. 213. Be sure to add it to your Glacier account as well.

Required Paperwork and Documents

You want to be sure that you have all of the required paperwork and documentation prepared BEFORE you visit the Social Security Office.

Here is what you will need:

Passport w/ Visa (unexpired)
I-20 (original)
I-94 (most recent)
Social security letter signed by
- Associate Director (OISVS) – Currently Lucy Dawson
  and
- Your supervisor or letter of employment (must contain start date and employer ID number)

Applying for a Social Security Number