Social Security Number

A Social Security Number is a number assigned to you by the United States Social Security Administration and is only assigned to:

• Individuals who are authorized to work in the United States
• Students at CofC on F-1 or J-1 visas are eligible for a Social Security number
• F-2 dependents are not eligible for a Social Security number.
• J-2 dependents are eligible if they have applied and been approved for work authorization.

Many colleges currently use Social Security numbers:

• As student identification numbers.
• In order to report your wages earned annually on-campus to the U.S. Government, you must have a Social Security number.
• In addition, the State of South Carolina requires you to have a Social Security number before you can apply for a driver's license.

For an F-2 dependent, a letter from the Social Security Administration is required stating the dependent is not eligible.

To apply for a Social Security number, you must provide original documents showing your age, identity, immigration status, and proof that you have been offered on-campus employment. You will also need a completed Social Security application, a letter of introduction from CofC, your passport and your I-20 or DS-2019 form to apply.

There are two Social Security Administration Offices in Charleston:

North Charleston
4995 Lacrosse Rd. North Charleston, SC 29406 Phone: (843)747-1554

West Ashley
1 Southpark Circle, Suite 500, Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: (843) 727-4345

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