Important update: Effective August 15, 2011, anyone using a Philadelphia zip code (19101-19160) for their address MUST visit the card center to conduct their Social Security card business for initial or replacements cards. The nine Social Security Administration (SSA) offices in Philadelphia will no longer conduct Social Security Card business but will refer cliental to the Card Center. SSA offices outside of Philadelphia will also refer visitors needing these services and under the Card Center’s jurisdiction to the Card Center.
Individuals should waituntil you have been in the United States for at least 10 days before you apply for a Social Security number.
To apply for a US Social Security Number (SSN), you must:
- Prepare the required documents, as described below
- Take the documents to the Philadelphia Social Security Card Center
- Submit your application (ask for a receipt that will verify your submission)
- Schedule an appointment with Payroll Management [1-215-926-2244] in Human Resources if you will receive payment from Temple as HR will need to see the receipt notice in order to add you to the Payroll System
- Update your records with Human Resources as soon as you receive your card in the mail (approximately 4-8 weeks)
The Social Security Administration Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) is available at the Philadelphia Social Security Card Center or online at : http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html.
* Philadelphia Social Security Card Center - 2 Penn Center, Suite 2000B, 1500 JKF Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 3:30 pm
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 more information, please contact ISSS.
