How can i get a temporary social security card

All non-U.S. citizens who do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) that will be employed by The University of Texas at Austin must apply for a number with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The Austin SSA office is located at 1029 Camino La Costa. The SSA advises that individuals wait at least 10 days from their arrival in the U.S. before applying for a number. Additional information about the process is available on the UT Texas Global website

Table of Contents Show

Applying for a Social Security Number
Temporary SSN Assignment
Receipt of SSN
What Is the Process of Getting a New Social Security Card?
Step 1: Gather Documentation
Step 2: Apply Online
Step 3: Visit the Local SSA Office
Getting a Replacement Social Security Card Online: Extra Requirements
Can I Replace My Social Security Card the Same Day?
What if I Can't Apply for a Card Online?
What if My Social Security Card Was Stolen?
Protect Yourself Going Forward
Can I get a replacement Social Security card at my local office?
Can you work in the US without a Social Security number?

Temporary SSN Assignment

For nonresident employees who do not have an SSN at the time they begin work, Payroll Services will assign a temporary Social Security Number before payroll payments are made. Employees are still responsible for applying for a permanent SSN with the SSA at the appropriate time in order to provide their actual SSN to Payroll Services as soon as possible. If the SSN is not received in a timely manner, Payroll Services may require proof of the application.

The process of obtaining an SSN from the Social Security Administration is delayed for many during the COVID-19 pandemic, and some of our policies have been relaxed to accommodate this change. For example, employees with a temporary SSN are able to sign up for direct deposit.

Receipt of SSN

Upon receipt of the Social Security Number card, the employee should immediately provide the number to Payroll Services. The employee may request a link to a secure UT Box folder that can be used to upload a copy of the card so that the number can be updated by Payroll Services staff, or the employee can enter the number directly in Workday, via the Change My Government ID task. If the employee enters the number directly in Workday, proof must be provided to Payroll Services either by requesting a link to the secure UT Box folder or by faxing a copy of the card to (512) 471-1299. Copies of SSN cards or other SSN related information should not be emailed as attachments or included as an attachment in Workday.

After the SSN has been verified by Payroll Services and the university records have been updated, the number will subsequently be corrected with the applicable state and federal reporting agencies. The employee’s Payment Election can also be changed to direct deposit if desired, as long as the Glacier Nonresident Tax Compliance form requirements have been met.

Last updated 08/16/2021

If your Social Security card is lost or stolen, you can replace it for free through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, by visiting a local SSA office or through the mail. If you don't need a card right away and you know your number, you may not want to go to the trouble, because you are not required to have an actual Social Security card.

You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime, but there are some exceptions. For example, if you have a legal name change, this does not count toward the limit; neither do changes in immigration status that require card updates.

Getting a replacement Social Security card involves just three steps:

Step 1: Gather Documentation

You'll need to gather some important original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency (photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted by the Social Security Administration). The paperwork needed is used to prove the following:

Citizenship: You must show proof of your U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate or a U.S. passport.
Age: You must show proof of your age with a birth certificate, U.S. hospital birth record, U.S. passport or religious record made before the age of 5 showing your date of birth.
Identity: You must prove your identity showing a U.S. driver's license, state-issued ID card, U.S. passport or employee ID card, school ID card, military ID card or health insurance card (not a Medicare card).

All of the documents must be up to date, as the SSA will not accept expired documents or receipts showing that you have applied for these documents.

Step 2: Apply Online

Fill out the Social Security card application using the documents above or create a SSA account to fill out the application online.

Step 3: Visit the Local SSA Office

Print out and bring your application and the original documents to your local SSA office. If you filled out the application online, the site will direct you to a page where you can find the closest SSA office in your area. You can also submit your application using an online form, provided you meet certain criteria outlined below.

Yes, you can request a replacement Social Security card online if you are a U.S. citizen age 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address. You must also have a driver's license or a state-issued identification card from one of these states. If you meet those requirements, you can set up an account on the SSA site to request a replacement card.

The fastest way to replace your Social Security card is to request a new one online. You can also visit a local SSA office in your area. According to the SSA website, it typically takes 10 to 14 business days to receive your new card once your application has been processed.

What if I Can't Apply for a Card Online?

If you can't apply for a Social Security card online, then you will need to show the required documents in person at your local SSA office. The documents needed will depend on your current citizenship status and your age.

Different documents are needed if you are an adult and a U.S.-born citizen, a foreign-born U.S. citizen, or a noncitizen. Also, if you are replacing a Social Security card for a child, you'll want to check the SSA website to determine which documents you will need.

If you're replacing your Social Security card because it's been stolen, there are several precautions you should take immediately to reduce your risk of identity theft. Your Social Security number is a very important piece of personally identifiable information that can be used to open new credit accounts in your name, among other things, if it falls into the wrong hands.

Alert the authorities. You should contact local law enforcement to file a crime report. You'll need this later on when you alert other agencies and take action to restrict access to your credit file.
Add a fraud alert. Adding a fraud alert to your credit files lets creditors know you've been a victim of fraud or worry you may be a victim in the future. A fraud alert instructs creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before granting any new credit in your name. Placing a fraud alert with any one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion or Equifax) will automatically alert the other two to do the same.
Check your credit. It's important to monitor your credit carefully after your Social Security card is stolen. If an identity thief uses it to take out a credit card or loan in your name, it will appear on your credit file. With Experian, you can check your credit report and scores for free every 30 days and get free credit monitoring.
Freeze your credit. If you want to go the extra mile for peace of mind, you can freeze your credit, which will prevent anyone from accessing your credit while the freeze is in place. Credit freezes must be turned on and off at each credit bureau individually. To place a credit freeze with Experian, explore the Security Freeze Center.
Replace your card. Obtaining a new copy of your card will make it easier to prove your identity in the future. Be sure to put your replacement card somewhere safe to help prevent it from being stolen again in the future. Avoid carrying your Social Security card with you at all times, instead only taking it out of your safe space when you need to.

Protect Yourself Going Forward

Once you've followed all the steps to get your replacement Social Security card, it's wise to take action to protect yourself. You may have received a new physical card, but your Social Security number will remain unchanged, and anyone who comes into possession of your old card can use it to commit fraud. This may mean staying diligent about what's on your credit report for years to come.

The good news is there's a lot you can do to prevent your Social Security card from being used nefariously. In addition to taking steps to protect your identity, make sure your new card is stored safely and securely and only leaves your home or safety deposit box when absolutely necessary. Losing possession of your Social Security card can be a nerve-wracking experience, but you've got tools at your disposal to make sure it's replaced quickly and your identity is protected for years to come.

Once you complete your application (online or in-person), we will mail the card after we process the application. Please understand that we don't issue cards at our offices. If you need to visit an office, we encourage you to first check the office's status at our Office Closings and Emergencies page.

You need an SSN to get a job, collect Social Security benefits, and receive some other government services. If you're temporarily in the United States to work, your employer will ask for your SSN.

temporary social security card

How can i get a temporary social security card

Temporary SSN Assignment