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Understanding Social Security Numbers and Consumer Services

The Social Security Administration will not issue an SSN in order for a student to obtain a car registration/title or other services, unless as described above.

In the state of Pennsylvania, an international student may obtain without a Social Security number:

• Housing: The ISO will furnish you with a letter which you may give to your landlord, explaining why you are not able to provide a Social Security number immediately upon arrival to the United States, and why you may remain ineligible for one as a student in nonimmigrant status.

• A checking or savings account, and an ATM card

• Utilities Service: To assist you in obtaining utilities service, the ISO will provide a letter explaining the situation with your eligibility for a Social Security number.
  -National Fuel (gas for heat, cooking, water heater, etc.): You must show two forms of ID when applying for service
  -Penelec (electricity): Penelec will allow you to submit an affidavit in which you state that you are not eligible for a Social Security number. You must sign this affidavit in the presence of a notary (visit a local bank for notarial services) and then mail or fax the affidavit to Penelec.

• Cell Phone Service: Many companies will request a Social Security number to check on your "credit rating," or how you have conducted yourself with regard to financial responsibilities. Most international students do not have a U.S. credit history, at any rate, so you will be requested to make a deposit in order to engage service.

• Pennsylvania state driver's license or state ID: You are required to submit your Social Security number card to Penndot (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation) as an identification document during the application process, if you have one. If you are ineligible for a Social Security number, you must submit a "denial letter" from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The ISO will provide you with a letter to take to the SSA when requesting the denial letter.

Although most services and consumer goods are accessible to you without a Social Security number, many companies and governmental agencies still use the Social Security number for a variety of reasons to establish your identification and financial status. The ISO will assist you with any questions or concerns you may have in trying to settle in and get what you need without the SSN.

-------------------Procedure to Apply for the SSN

Please note that you should wait at least 10 business days following the registration of your immigration documents with the ISO and in SEVIS.

In order to apply for the SSN, you must take with you  to the Social Security Administration office, located at 717 State St. (Highmark Building, 5th Floor; OPEN Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm), the following documents:

• Gannon "On-Campus Employment Letter"

• Letter from ISO verifying status and work authorization

• At least two documents which establish your age and identity, such as a passport that is at least one year old and one additional identity document

• Form I-94

• I-20 or DS-2019 (signed by ISO staff for work authorization)
  
  You may complete and take with you a Social Security number application (forms available in the ISO or by download on the SSA Web site), or you may fill out an application at the SSA office.

You MUST ask for a ‘Receipt of Application’ after your SSN application and supporting documents have been accepted by the SSA.

-------------------Completing Employment Paperwork with your SSN for Human Resources

Once the Social Security number card arrives, bring it to the Human Resources office. At this time you will also complete the Form W-4 form, a form required by the Internal Revenue Service. Please see the International Student Taxes Web page for how to fill out a Form W-4.

NOTE: Human Resources will notify a student and the ISO if a copy of the Social Security number card is missing from the student employment file.