BASIC (10-09)

The following scenarios provide examples of the types of situations field offices may encounter involving SSN card requests by aliens who are not authorized to work.

A. Alien wants an SSN card to work

If an alien who is not authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work wants an SSN card to work:

1. Explain that, without a DHS document authorizing employment, we cannot issue an SSN card for work purposes;
   NOTE: Work includes both employment and self-employment.

2. Tell the alien to contact the nearest DHS office to discuss the possibility of changing his or her alien status to one that allows him or her to work or to obtain work authorization;

3. Give the alien Form SSA-L670, indicating that the applicant did not provide evidence of work authorization.

NOTE: If the applicant insists on filing an application and SSA processing it, explain that we will not assign an SSN nor issue a card. Provide written notice, using Form SSA-L676, to explain that we cannot assign an SSN or issue a card because he or she did not present appropriate authorization permitting him or her to work in the U.S.

For information on providing written notice to an SSN applicant, see RM 10215.110.

1. Alien alleges a nonwork need for an original SSN card

If an alien who is not authorized by DHS to work alleges a valid nonwork need for an SSN:

1. Determine if the alien has a current, valid, nonwork reason for an original SSN card.

2. If so, obtain the evidence of age, identity, lawful alien status, and documentation of eligibility from the appropriate government entity (see RM 10211.600A.).

3. When the required information is submitted, annotate the nonwork reason and documentation on the SSNAP Proof of Legal Alien Status screen.

4. Caution the alien that the SSN card will contain the legend "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT" and that, if he or she uses it to work in the U.S., SSA will notify DHS. Verify the evidence of alien status per RM 10214.100.

5. If the alien has not provided the required information, use Form SSA-L676 to explain that we cannot assign an SSN or issue a card because the applicant did not present evidence of appropriate authorization for work in the U.S. and has not provided evidence of a valid nonwork reason for an SSN. For information on providing written notice to an SSN applicant, see RM 10215.110.

IMPORTANT: Some State agencies require that an alien applying for a benefit or service and alleging not to have an SSN obtain a written notice (Form SSA-L676) from SSA stating that SSA cannot assign the alien an SSN. However, the notice only verifies that the person did not submit appropriate documents. Be sure the State agency understands that SSA does not verify documents of individuals who are clearly not eligible for SSNs.

2. Alien alleges a nonwork need for a replacement SSN card

If an alien who is not authorized by DHS to work requests a replacement SSN card, follow these steps:

1. Determine if the alien has a current, valid, nonwork reason for a replacement SSN card and obtain documentation of eligibility from the appropriate government entity per RM 10211.600A.3.

2. If the alien provides the required information, enter the nonwork reason and documentation (i.e., the DHS form number (e.g., I-94) and other required alien evidence) on the Proof of Alien Status SSNAP screen.
   For additional information, see the SSNAP User Guide .

3. Caution the alien that the SSN card will contain the legend “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT" and that, if he or she uses it to work in the U.S., SSA will notify DHS.

4. If the alien has not provided the required information, provide written notice, using Form SSA-L676, to explain that we cannot issue a replacement SSN card because the applicant has not provided evidence of a current, valid, nonwork reason for an SSN. For information on providing written notice to an SSN applicant, see RM 10215.110.

NOTE: Be alert for changes in the individual's DHS work authorization status that may mean that he or she is entitled to an SSN card without a restrictive legend.