These are the three types of Social Security cards: What they have in common and how they are different

Every person legally residing in the United States, when they sign up with the Social Security Administration, is assigned a unique 9-digit Social Security number and given a card with that number on it. It is one of the most important documents in the United States, and the number you are given should be carefully guarded. We use it when we get a job, file taxes, open a bank account and to claim government benefits.

Typically, parents will apply for one at the hospital for their newborn when they fill out the birth certificate. However, not everyone that lives in the United States was born here but they may still be able to get a Social Security card, just not the same one as U.S. citizens and Green Card holders.

Telling the difference between Social Security cards

According to the Social Security Administration there are three types of Social Security cards which are as follows:

• Unrestricted: These are for U.S. citizens and permanent residents (Green Card holders).
• Limited work: These are for non-citizens that are in the U.S. legally which allows them to temporarily work in the U.S. with a DHS work authorization document. “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION” is clearly printed on the card above the SSN.
• Non-work: These are for Visa holders without employment authorization but have a valid non-work reason or are legally required to have an SSN to receive specific state or federal benefits. “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT” is clearly printed on the card above the SSN.

Undocumented immigrants are generally ineligible to get a Social Security number, nor receive federal and state benefits.

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