Applying for a Social Security Number (Scholars and Employees)

Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number

Philadelphia Social Security Card Center
2 Penn Center, Suite 2000B, 1500 JKF Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 3:30 pm

1-800-772-1213

Please be sure to ask SSA for a receipt notice to show that you have applied.

Required Documents
When you go to the Philadelphia Social Security Card Center, you must present the following documents:

• For J-1 Scholars:
  • Social Security Letter completed and signed by ISSS
  • SSA Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
  • Original DS-2019
  • Passport, visa (stamp), Original I-94 card
  • Appointment/Invitation Letter from TU

• For H-1B, O -1, TN, and E-3:
  • Social Security Letter completed and signed by ISSS
  • SSA Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
  • Employment Offer Letter
  • Original I-797 Approval (TN and E-3 will only have I-797 if case is processed by USCIS in the US instead obtaining status upon entry to US)
  • Passport, visa (stamp), Original I-94 card

For Scholars and Employees who will be paid by TU

Individuals who will be paid by Temple University must complete an I-9 within three days of beginning employment. This is a U.S. law.

Individuals must wait for ten days after entering the USA before applying for a social security card.

Due to these two time sensitive matters, applying for a social security number and being enrolled in the Payroll System will be a multi-step experience.

• Within three days of beginning employment, schedule an appointment with Payroll Management [1-215-926-2244] in Human Resources to be added to the payroll system - you can be added without a Social Security #
• Ten days after entering the USA, apply for a social security card. You will be given a receipt notice from the SSA Office once you apply
• Once you receive the SSA receipt, email a copy to shelley.biagas@temple.edu and laurie.kagan@temple.edu;  Payroll Management needs this receipt in order to tax your income at the lowest possible rate
• You will need to show Payroll Management the actual SSA card as soon as you receive it in the mail (approximately 3-6 weeks)

For more information, please contact ISSS.