Social Security Numbers and On-campus Employment

 

U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration. It is used as a personal identification number by all government and most commercial institutions in the United States (for employment, taxes, bank accounts, credit card applications, etc.). The Social Security Administration has placed limits on who may apply and for what reason(s) the number is needed. Typically, only those international students and scholars who have on or off- campus work authorization will receive a number. The Social Security Administration will not issue you a number for a bank account, credit card, U.S. income tax return, or other non-work related reasons - you must have an employment offer to secure a number.  Further information regarding social security numbers may be found on their website at http://www.ssa.gov.

On-Campus Employment

Any international student who is employed by an academic or administrative department or office of the University of Hartford is required to have a social security number. Students employed by ARAMark food services or the Follett Bookstore must also have a SSN. On-campus employment includes all work performed on our campus for hourly pay or tuition remission. Graduate assistants are also required to have a social security number. Students who are have been offered a position on campus may not begin work or receive pay until they have secured a SSN.

What Documents are Required When Appling for a Number

If you believe that you need a U.S. Social Security number for employment purposes, you must provide the following documents:

•  First, you must have a letter signed by your intended campus employer which offers you the employment position.  That letter must be brought to the International Center.

• The  International Center will verify your full-time student status and complete a "Full-time Student Verification Letter" and counter- sign your employment letter.

You must then take these letters to the Social Security Office in Hartford and apply for your number.  Bring the following documents with you when you go to the Social Security Office

•  your passport

•  I-20 form

•  I-94 Arrival Departure Card

• Any other personal identification

Both your I-20 form and I-94 card must be stamped showing entry into the U.S.  If the entry stamp is missing you will not be issued a number. 

Where to apply for a Social Security Number

You may apply to the local SS Office in Hartford which is located at:

960 Main St.
2nd floor
Hartford, CT 06103
Telephone # 1-800-234-5772 or 493-1857

Click here for directions to the Social Security Office in Hartford.

Processing time

Under recently implemented security regulations, though the typical processing time for a number is usually 10-15 days, it may take as long as three months to be issued a number.  The Social Security Administration is required to check your legal immigration status with the Citizen and Immigration Service before you may be issued a number.  There is no method in place to speed up the process and much depends on the workload of both the SSA and the CIS.