Social Security
For historical information on Social Security and Social Security Number (SSN), please follow these links:
Social Security Number History
If you plan to work in the United States of America (USA) (including on-campus) you must have a Social Security number. Please visit the Dean of the College’s office for instructions on how to apply for a Social Security number. The Social Security Administration will process your application and a number will be sent to you in about two-three weeks.
PRE-REQUISITE: YOU MUST BE IN THE U.S.A. FOR AT LEAST TEN DAYS (10) BEFORE YOU CAN APPLY FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED - You must bring the following:
- Social Security Application Form (SS5)
- Employment Information Form (is available from the Dean of the College’s Office)
- Valid Passport
- I-94 Card
- I-20 Form
- Visa (if it is in an expired passport)
- Certification Letter from the Registrar
The following are addresses of Social Security Administration offices in the area. Please note that two of the addresses have changed.
1500 JFK Blvd 20th FL
2 Penn Center Ste 2000A
Philadelphia, PA 19102-9713
Hours of Operation: Monday – Fridays 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Beginning this past summer anyone who lives in, or receives mail in the city of Philadelphia must visit or submit an application by mail to our Social Security Card Center. The Card Center is located directly across from the Downtown Philadelphia Social Security office and their hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9AM to 3:30PM. The exact address for the Card Center is: 2 Penn Center Ste 20000B, 1500 JFK Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102-9713
1700 Markley Street
First Floor
Norristown, PA 19401
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
8645 West Chester Pike
Upper Darby, PA 19082-4505
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
After you enter the Social Security office, be sure to take a number and wait for your number to be called before approaching the agent. Please note that in some offices automated check-in methods are used.
If you carry a cell phone with you to any of these offices, it must be turned off. The use of cell phones is prohibited in these buildings!
Please visit the Social Security website for information regarding office hours, the application process, and more.