Social Security
SOCIAL SECURITY INFORMATION
NOTE: In the past most Au Pairs did not need a Social Security Number. However, with Cultural Care’s “recommendation” that an Au Pair does obtain a Pennsylvania Driver’s License (a “recommendation” .. not a requirement), it might be a good idea for an Au Pair TO OBTAIN a Social Security Number. (Note: It is a non-working Social Security Number).
The Link for “Application for Social Security Card” is located on right-side of this website
The Social Security card can be used for:
a) Obtaining a Pennsylvania Driver’s License;
b) Enrolling in a college for a ”credit” course (usually non-credit courses do not require a Social Security number);
c) Opening a bank account (although again not a requirement for a non-interest bearing account).
If an Au Pair is extending - then, definitely yes, a Social Security card is necessary because the Au Pair will also be applying for a Pennsylvania Driver’s License or, if the Au Pair is moving to another state, a Social Security card might be required in some states for their license, etc. as well. Therefore, overall .. it is best that an Au Pair DOES OBTAIN a Social Security Card. (Bank Accounts: Obtain a non-interest bearing checking account from the bank and a social security card is not needed.)
Au Pairs should wait at least ten (10) days after his/her arrival into the U.S. before attempting to get a Social Security number. Upon arrival into the U.S., the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) cannot verify the Au Pair’s status with U.S. Homeland Security until at least ten (10) days have gone by.
If the Au Pair (Host Family) wishes to obtain a Social Security Number (for a Pennsylvania Driver’s License, tax reasons, etc.), please note that there are Social Security Offices located in Bethlehem, Allentown, Reading and Wilkes-Barre. In the Lehigh Valley, the BETHLEHEM OFFICE located on Main Street is usually the most “cooperative” office for obtaining Social Security numbers.
I have listed the “Social Security Office Locator” on the right-hand-side of my website and address for “local offices” below.
IF you are registering for Non-Credit Courses - most schools will allow you to register without the Social Security number .
SHOULD YOU WISH (this is on a “need to have basis”) TO OBTAIN A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, the Social Security Offices are as follows. YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE ALL YOUR DOCUMENTS (See details below).
Social Security Office Locations:
- Allentown Social Security Office
41 North Fourth Street, Allentown, PA 18103 (Fourth & Hamilton Streets)
Phone: 610-433-3237 (800 No.: 1-800-772-1213)
Hours: Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - except USA National Holidays)
- Bethlehem Social Security Office (usually most cooperative)
555 Main Street (Old Woolworth’s Building - Across from Sun Inn) Bethlehem, Pa.
Phone: 610-691-2451
(Hours: Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - except USA National Holidays).
- Easton Social Security Office
200 Ferry Street, Easton, Pennsylvania (610-258-9033)
(Hours: Monday-Friday from (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - except USA National Holidays)
IF an Au Pair wishes to apply for a Social Security Card (non-working), he/she will need to bring:
1. You will need to fill out an application at the office, OR you can print it out and complete it before going to the Social Security Office from the website. See website link on right-hand-side of this website.
http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html
2. The I-94 card (stapled in your passport)
3. DS-2019 Form
4. Passport
5. Another Picture ID (just in case)
6. Social Security Letter. (This letter is on your host families Extranet Account under “Current Au Pair” and it’s also on your Extranet account under “Placement Info”).
It could take two weeks (or more) to receive the “NON-Working Social Security Card” in the mail.
Common Social Security Problems
There can be many reasons “why” an au pair is denied a non-working social security card. Most likely the reason is a clerical mistake in entering the Au Pair’s information into the database. It is not a “right” of an Au Pair to receive a Social Security card from the U.S.
IF the Au Pair receives a letter denying a social security card because the Social Security Office “must check the documents, etc.”, the Au Pair must wait for this process to be completed. This could take up to 4 to 6 weeks and Cultural Care cannot assist in this process.
IF an Au Pair still has problems with the Social Security process, the Au Pair can fax the documents listed below to the Cultural Care Compliance Team (1-800-206-9390) and provide a copy of the following documents:
1) I-94 Card
2) Date of Visit and Address of Social Security Office Visited
3) A brief explanation of the problem, including whether or not he/she was allowed to submit an application for the social security number
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