Federal Benefits

Social Security

Social Security numbers are issued only to United States citizens, legally admitted resident aliens (green card holders), and to those required to have a number by Federal law. Immigrating aliens generally secure a number after admission to the United States.

How To Apply for a Social Security Number

To secure a Social Security number you are required to complete the Application Form SS-5. If you are residing in Slovenia, you should return the completed form to the American Citizen Services Unit at the Embassy. Along with the application form, you must present a passport or green card and a certified copy of a birth record established before age 5. You should receive your Social Security card from the Social Security Administration in Baltimore, Maryland, within three months of completing the application process.

U.S. Citizens Registering a Child

When U.S. citizens register a child born abroad as a U.S. citizen, that process automatically applies for a Social Security number too. If a card is not received within three months, contact the American Citizen Services Unit. Parents filing an application for a child’s number are required to provide their own Social Security numbers, if they have them. The parent signing the application must also provide identification such as his or her passport or green card.

Note: Individuals aged 12 and over must apply in person at the American Citizen Services Unit if they have never had a Social Security Number. Additional documentation is required for these applications. Please call to make an appointment.

Non-Resident Aliens

Non-resident aliens requiring a number for purposes of filing a U.S. tax return must file a Form W-7 Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) with the Internal Revenue Service.

Attending school in the U.S.

Aliens not otherwise entitled to a Social Security number and planning on attending school in the United States may be asked for a Social Security number by the school for record-keeping purposes. Issuance of a Social Security number solely for this purpose is not authorized by Federal law; the school should be asked to assign its own internal record-keeping number.

Conducting business with a financial institution

If a Social Security number is required to conduct business with a U.S. bank or financial institution, and if Federal law does not otherwise allow the issuance of a Social Security number, then ask the Internal Revenue Service for a Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status.

Please Note: Individual states may require a Social Security number for record-keeping purposes. Aliens may not have a Social Security number issued for these purposes unless required by Federal law.