POMS Reference

RM 10205: Social Security Number (SSN) Applications

TN 1 (09-09)

Applications for SSN cards are filed through the following.

A. SSA field office, Social Security Card Center, Veterans Administration Regional Office (VARO) in Manila, or a Foreign Service Post (FSP)

An application for an SSN card is made by submitting a completed paper Form SS-5, or by completing an in-office interview, which results in a systems-generated summary (the SSNAP printout) for the applicant to review. All information is collected electronically and the paper Form SS-5 and SSNAP printout are destroyed.

B. Hospital for Enumeration at Birth (EAB)

An application for an original SSN card may be completed through EAB. SSA offers the EAB program through State Vital Records Offices. This program assigns SSNs to newborns as part of the hospital birth registration process.

When the hospital representative asks for information to complete the birth certificate, he or she also asks the parents if they would like the State's vital statistics office to forward information to SSA to assign an SSN. If the parent agrees, the hospital representative checks a block on the form indicating that the parent wants an SSN assigned to his or her child.

The hospital forwards this information to the State's vital statistics office along with birth certificate information.

The State vital statistics office then provides SSA with an electronic record used to assign an SSN and issue a card. The parent's signature on the birth registration form and the check in the block indicating the parent wants an SSN for the child constitute a valid application for an SSN.

NOTE: No microfilm SS-5 or electronic application exists when a record is created through EAB. Form Code Label (FMC) 6 appears on the Numident when a record is established via EAB.

C. Department of State for Enumeration at Entry (EAE)

An application for an original SSN or a replacement SSN card may be completed through EAE. This process is currently available to individuals who are admitted to the U.S. as immigrants. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (DOS) collect enumeration data as part of the immigration process. When an alien requests an SSN card as part of the immigration process, DHS transmits the data elements collected for enumeration purposes to SSA once the alien arrives in the U.S. Using this data, SSA assigns an SSN to the alien, if no prior SSN is found, and mails the SSN card to the address provided by DHS or DOS. See Enumeration at Entry, RM 10205.600.

NOTE: No microfilm or electronic SS-5 exists when a record is created and fully processed through EAE. A Form Code Label (FMC) A appears on the Numident to indicate a record was established based on EAE. For EAE exceptions, see Enumeration at Entry, RM 10205.600.

D. Internet Social Security Number Replacement Cards (iSSNRC)

An applicant for a replacement SSN card may apply online if he or she has a mySocialSecurity account and meets the requirements in RM 10205.630B, Internet SSN Replacement Cards (iSSNRC).