The Social Security Number is a permanent identification number issued by the U.S. government.  A student or scholar needs a Social Security Number (SSN) if they will receive a salary or stipend from the University of New Haven or from the off-campus OPT, CPT or AT employer.  If employed, they will also need an SSN to file a U.S. income tax return for each calendar year they were present in the U.S.

SSNs are often used for a variety of unofficial purposes, such as opening telephone, utility, or bank/credit card accounts. While having an SSN is convenient for these reasons, it is not required.  A paid employment is required in order to apply for an SSN. The student or scholar must have entered the U.S. at least 10 days prior to submitting the application and may not apply more than 30 days before the start of employment. 

All U.S. employers require employees to have a Social Security Number (SSN) for the purpose of reporting individual employee earnings for tax purposes and thus the SSN is required to receive compensation for work in the US.  If you get an SSN, keep the card and number safe, and be careful with whom you share this information, as it can be used for identity theft purposes. 

The application for a drivers license or state ID requires either an SSN, or a denial letter from the SSA stating the student is not eligible for the SSN. To get the denial letter, you will apply for the SSN using the SS-5 application on the Social Security Administration website. Follow the instructions there about how to submit the application by mail or in-person.  If you are not eligible because you don’t have an employment, they will send you the denial letter.

The Career Development Center provides more information about the Social Security Numbers (SSN). If the student is employed on-campus, the Student Employment Office will assist with all hiring paperwork, including the SSN.

Find out how to apply for an SSN and the documents required to apply on the Social Security Administration website www.ssa.gov. UIS can provide a letter confirming valid FT student status.