Can I Work Without a Social Security Number?

If you're authorized to work in the United States but haven't received your Social Security Number yet, you can still start working.

Key Facts:

• There is no law requiring you to have an SSN before starting work
• Form I-9 does not require SSN to be complete
• Employers can (and must) hire you if you're work-authorized
• You'll provide your SSN to your employer once you receive it

Common Situations:

The One Exception: E-Verify Employers

If your employer uses E-Verify (such as W-2 staffing apps), SSN is required on the I-9 form. However, you can still:

1. Write "Applied for" in the SSN field
2. Start work and get paid
3. Provide SSN once received (usually 2-6 weeks)
4. Employer will update E-Verify case

Important: You must be authorized to work in the U.S. Having (or waiting for) an SSN doesn't grant work authorization. Your visa, EAD, Green Card, or citizenship does.

Form I-9 can be completed without a Social Security Number:

Section 1 (Employee Completes):

• Fill in all required fields
• In the SSN field, write "Applied for" or leave blank (see note below)
• Sign and date the form
• You've completed your part!

SSN Field Requirements:

Section 2 (Employer Completes):

• Employer examines your documents
• Documents must prove identity AND work authorization
• SSN is NOT required for document verification
• I-9 can be fully completed without SSN

What Documents to Bring:

Since you might not have your Social Security card, use alternatives:

Option 1: List A Document (one document)

• U.S. Passport
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• EAD (Employment Authorization Document)

Option 2: List B + C (two documents)

• List B: Driver's License or State ID
• List C: Birth Certificate (if citizen) OR EAD

See complete I-9 Documents List

Once you start working, continue the SSN application process:

Applying for a Social Security Number:

Required Documents:

• Proof of identity (passport, driver's license)
• Proof of work authorization (EAD, visa, Green Card)
• Proof of age (birth certificate, passport)
• Form SS-5 (Application for Social Security Card)

How to Apply:

1. In Person (Recommended):

   • Find your local SSA office: ssa.gov/locator
   • Bring original documents (no copies)
   • Complete Form SS-5 there or bring completed form
   • Receive receipt showing application is pending

2. By Mail:

   • Download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov
   • Mail with original documents
   • Documents returned within 14 days
   • Slower processing

Processing Time:

Once You Receive Your SSN:

1. Notify your employer immediately
2. Employer updates your records
3. If E-Verify employer: They update the E-Verify case
4. Payroll will use SSN going forward
5. You do NOT need to complete a new I-9

Most employers can process payroll while you wait for your SSN:

How Payroll Works:

• Employer can hire and pay you without SSN
• First few paychecks may show "Applied for" or "000-00-0000"
• Taxes are still withheld from your pay
• Once SSN is received, records are updated

Potential Challenges:

Staffing apps and SSN:

Staffing apps typically require:

• Valid I-9 documents ✓
• SSN (or pending application) ✓
• Bank account for payment ✓

You can start the onboarding process while SSN is pending, but the Same Day Pay feature may require SSN and verified bank account to be fully functional.

Bank Account Without SSN:

Opening a bank account:

• Some banks require SSN
• Others accept ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
• Some accept foreign passport + visa documents
• Options: Chime, Varo, credit unions

Once you have your SSN, update your bank account information.

Understanding tax numbers while waiting for SSN:

Social Security Number (SSN):

• Issued by Social Security Administration
• Required for most employment
• Used for tax filing and work records
• Must be authorized to work to receive SSN

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN):

• Issued by IRS (not SSA)
• For people who need to file taxes but don't qualify for SSN
• Does NOT authorize employment
• Format: 9XX-XX-XXXX

When You Need an ITIN:

• Spouse/dependent of worker without own work authorization
• Receiving certain types of income but not work-authorized
• Nonresident alien required to file taxes

For Workers:

If you're authorized to work, apply for an SSN, not an ITIN. ITINs don't authorize work and can delay employment.

Tax Filing While Waiting:

Form W-4 (Tax Withholding):

Complete Form W-4 when you start work:

• Leave SSN blank if pending
• Employer will update when you provide SSN
• Taxes are still withheld from your paychecks

Know your rights if an employer gives you trouble:

Employers CANNOT:

❌ Refuse to hire you solely because SSN is pending ❌ Delay your start date until SSN arrives ❌ Require SSN before making a job offer ❌ Reject valid I-9 documents because you don't have SS card ❌ Treat you differently because of citizenship status

Employers MUST:

✓ Accept your statement that SSN is applied for ✓ Allow you to start work with valid I-9 documents ✓ Pay you for work performed ✓ Update records when you provide SSN later

If You Experience Problems:

Document the issue and contact:

• Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER): 1-800-255-7688
• Department of Labor: 1-866-487-9243
• EEOC (discrimination): 1-800-669-4000

What to Say:

"I am authorized to work in the United States. My Social Security Number application is pending. I can provide acceptable I-9 documents. I will provide my SSN as soon as I receive it. Employers may not refuse to hire me solely because my SSN is pending."

Most employers understand this is a common situation, especially for new workers and recent arrivals.

Here's how to start with staffing apps, if your SSN is pending:

Step 1: Download and Apply

• Download the app
• Create your profile
• Start the application process

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Bring these to your verification interview:

• Valid I-9 documents (passport, EAD, or ID + birth certificate)
• Proof of SSN application (receipt from Social Security office if available)
• Bank account information

Step 3: Complete Verification

• Attend verification interview
• Present I-9 documents
• Explain that SSN is pending
• the app will note "Applied for" in records

Step 4: Provide SSN When Received

• Contact app support once SSN arrives
• Update your profile information
• Complete E-Verify process

What Works Without SSN:

✓ Creating profile and applying ✓ Completing verification interview ✓ Presenting I-9 documents ✓ Getting approved for shifts

What May Be Limited:

• Same Day Pay may require SSN verification
• Full E-Verify confirmation needs SSN

Pro Tip: Apply for SSN immediately upon arriving in the U.S. or becoming work-authorized. Don't wait until you need a job. The 2-6 week processing time can feel long when you're ready to work.

Download the app →