SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS

Although the Social Security Program is designed as a pension fund for US citizens, the Social Security Number (SSN) has become an identification number routinely used by the US government, banks, and other institutions. For tax purposes, anyone receiving income must provide their employer with a Social Security Number in order to be paid.

F-1 students who are sponsored by Scottsdale Community College must have a letter from the International Education Programs office verifying their eligibility to apply for a Social Security Number. Social Security Numbers will only be given to F-1 students who have been offered a job on campus.

All applicants must have the following documents when applying:

• Valid passport
• F-1 students: Form I-94 and I-20 form
• One other piece of identification ? a student ID card, driver's license, credit card, etc.
• Letter of eligibility (obtain from International Education Programs office, after you have attended International Student Orientation, and registered for all your classes.)

To apply for a Social Security Number, go in person to the Social Security Administration office, located at:

Directions From SCC:

• Start out going west on E. Chaparral Road by turning right.
• Turn left onto N. Hayden Road
• The Social Security Administration is located on the west side of Hayden Road between Thomas and Osborn.

As an international student, your application make more time to process. Your Social Security card will be sent to you by regular mail. If you have questions about your application, or to learn your Social Security Number within a few days of applying, you can call the Social Security toll-free number: 1 (800) 772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 pm.

Prevent Identity Theft and Fraud!

• Protect your Social Security number (SSN). Release it only when absolutely necessary (like tax forms, employment records, most banking, stock and property transactions). The SSN is the key to your credit and banking accounts and is the prime target of criminals.
• Use your "999" student ID number for your school records instead of your SSN
• When applying for your driver's licence at the Arizona Motor Vehicles Division, request to use a different number instead of your SSN
• If a business requests your SSN, ask if it has an alternative number that can be used instead. Speak to a manager or supervisor if your request is not honored. Ask to see the company's written policy on SSNs. If necessary, take your business elsewhere. If the SSN is requested by a government agency, look for the Privacy Act notice. This will tell you if your SSN is required, what will be done with it, and what happens if you refuse to provide it.
• Do not have your SSN or driver's license number printed on your checks. Don't let merchants hand-write the SSN onto your checks because of the risk of fraud. There is no law against this, so you may need to be assertive.
• Do not carry your SSN card in your wallet except for situations when it is required, the first day on the job, for example. If possible, do not carry wallet cards that display the SSN.

Tips from Privacy Rights Clearinghouse Web: www.privacyrights.org