Is SSA sliding into a nightmare or what?

[buzz17 0]

Last wednesday we had the biometric/fingerprints taken for AOS,the officer asked for the SSN. My wife gave the SSA receipt letter,and the guy asked you mean it has taken that long to come? My wife answered,they say this office is still verifying the documents I presented on the application. On Thursday,my wife called the SSA local office,after about five minutes on hold she was told two versions: 1. the USCIS hasnt returned to us,2. however,you still have a week to make 6weeks mandatory time for such cases. The lady rephrased the second comment that "normally it takes 6 to 8 weeks for such cases to clear, so you are still in good shape,call on us after two weeks". My wife wondered why others who applied after her have got their SSN. "I told you:, she harshly said,"it takes 6 to 8 weeks,call on us after two weeks" and hanged up.

Let me hope to the SSA thats a fair game!!!

[I'm Gone 60]

Last wednesday we had the biometric/fingerprints taken for AOS,the officer asked for the SSN. My wife gave the SSA receipt letter,and the guy asked you mean it has taken that long to come? My wife answered,they say this office is still verifying the documents I presented on the application. On Thursday,my wife called the SSA local office,after about five minutes on hold she was told two versions: 1. the USCIS hasnt returned to us,2. however,you still have a week to make 6weeks mandatory time for such cases. The lady rephrased the second comment that "normally it takes 6 to 8 weeks for such cases to clear, so you are still in good shape,call on us after two weeks". My wife wondered why others who applied after her have got their SSN. "I told you:, she harshly said,"it takes 6 to 8 weeks,call on us after two weeks" and hanged up.

Let me hope to the SSA thats a fair game!!!

What status did she arrive here with and how long has she been here? Does she have an EAD card? If you called the SSA 800# you are wasting you time. She needs to go into the office with her documents to see what's going on.

SSA will not assign an SSN or issue a card if her status has expired or is within 14 days of expiring.

K-1 status is good for 90 days, so that only gives her 76 days to be assigned an SSN and issued a card. After that time she will need an EAD or I-551 card to establish authorization to work. Before that time the I-94 showing K-1 status is the document that establishes authorization to work for SSN purposes.

The status/documents of all aliens must be verified before SSA will assign an SSN and/or issue a card and the 14 day limit applies even if she passes the 76th day while waiting for her status to be verified.

The SSA office will try to verify her status through the SAVE system while she is in the office. If they can't, they will send a form G-845 to immigration for manual verification. This could delay the assigning

of an SSN and/or issuing a card for weeks and some times months.

If the SSA office does send the G-845, suggest that she go back to the SSA office no more than once a week with your documents to (1) ask them to check SAVE again (2) ask if they sent a G-845 (3) if yes, did it come

back (4) after 30 days ask if they have followed up on the G-845 by calling or sending another mark "second request."

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http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203720

RM 00203.720 Verifying Immigration Documents

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http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203735

RM 00203.735 Requesting Online (Primary) Verification By SAVE

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After having waited at least 30 days and your local SSA office doesn't seem concerned about following up on the G-845 she can try contacting the SSA Regional Office (RO) responsible for your state:

http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/natlpocontacts.html

Refer them to this:

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203740

RM 00203.740 Requesting Additional (Manual) Verification By DHS

B. PROCEDURE – HOW TO REQUEST MANUAL VERIFICATION

STEP 6

DHS should respond to SSA within 15 federal work days after receiving the Form G-845. If DHS does not respond within 15 federal work days from the receipt of the G-845 from SSA, follow-up with the DHS, USCIS

Immigration Status office. (Allow 15 days plus five additional federal work days of mail time for the G-845 to be received at and returned from DHS.

Follow local practice to follow-up with DHS. Some SSA offices have an arrangement with the DHS, USCIS office to telephone for the follow-up contact; other SSA offices send a copy of the original G-845 annotated

“second request.”) If the DHS response is still not received within 15 federal work days after the follow-up contact (if the follow-up is by mail allow five additional federal work days of mail time for the G-845

to be received at and returned from DHS), make a second follow-up contact. If the DHS response is not received within 15 federal workdays (again, if the follow-up is by mail, allow five additional federal work

days of mail time for the G-845 to be received at and returned from DHS), after two follow-ups, contact the RO. Also report to the RO any trend that shows a serious deviation by DHS from the above time frames. The RO will consult with central office.

Edited May 27, 2006 by mdyoung

[buzz17 0]

Thanks lots,

Her status is okay> She is on a K-3 visa from February this year expiring in two years. She has the EAD card issued in April 2006 for the same duration as the K-3. Everything is quite okay. We applied for the SSN in person and was told that such cases takes 4 to 6 weeks to clear. Its now about five weeks since. From last week we think we have to wait for 3 more weeks..for no reason. The same week she applied for the SSN the EAD file was touched two times and the following week one time. The AOS file was never touched since April 26th when they sent the biometric letter until today,I think to update the biometric taken. We have been patient now for about five weeks, but nothing.

I will make the last attempt to call SSA local office on Tuesday,if nothing then I will call the SSA head office.

[shakysgirl 1]

We are into week 4 waiting for my husband's social security number. On Thursday he again went to SSA only to be told he was still not in the SAVE system and they had not received the G-845 back (or whatever it's called). On Friday he went into our local immigration office. He told her he was still not in the system and stressed the importance of receiving his number. Due to his field being limited in our area and me being 6 1/2 months pregnant, we need to get this number so he can try to work soon. She went away for 10 minutes and fiddled with the computer, then came back and told him to go down to SSA today and he should not have any difficulty. He is on his way down there now, so it'll be interesting to see how it turns out. At this point I'm not holding out too much hope.

Can anyone answer me why a fiance can apply for a social security number upon entrance to the US, but a spouse can not? I'm just curious about this. If he'd been able to apply right away like K-1 people do, we'd have this and he'd be working in that job he was offered 4 weeks ago. My bank won't even let him be on my checking and savings accounts without a SS number.

[ian12312 0]

The reason a K-1 can apply straight away is that a K-1 visa holder is allowed to work (if they get the stamp at the POE) for the 90 day validity of their I-94. This work authorization means a K-1 holder is entitled to a SSN.

I know its crazy (and to be honest largely a waste of time getting the stamp) but thats the answer to your question.

[chagalafamilia 0]

My bank won't even let him be on my checking and savings accounts without a SS number.

You DO NOT have to have a SSN to be added to your spouses bank account. I ran into this problem when I tried to add my husband. Here is a quote off of the Social Security Administration website.

"Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without a Social Security number. You do not need a number to conduct business with a bank, register for school, apply for educational tests, obtain private health insurance, apply for school lunch programs or apply for subsidized housing. You cannot get a Social Security number for the sole purpose of obtaining a driver’s license. "

I tried again after I found this information and I simply told the teller that I needed a manager that was aware of these rules from SSA. The only thing we had to have was his passport with his visa and I-94.

GOOD LUCK

[shakysgirl 1]

Hey thanks for that- I am definitely going to the bank with that info!!!

I don't care if K-1's are allowed to get their SS #'s, I just can't understand why it's different for spouse's. It just doesn't make sense to me at all.

[I'm Gone 60]

Can anyone answer me why a fiance can apply for a social security number upon entrance to the US, but a spouse can not? I'm just curious about this.

I assume you are talking about K-1s and K-3s. At one time SSA required a K-1 to have an EAD card or work authorization stamp on the I-94. SSA changed the procedure because INS was having trouble getting A6 EAD cards out to people within the 90 days the K-1 status was valid.

[buzz17 0]

We couldn't believe what we heard the SSA official tell us this morning. This time our turn was with another SSA lady not the usual one, who bluntly told us that the request form was or may have not been faxed to the USCIS five weeks ago because all papers are intact on lead officers desk. The lady pulled out the file,went through with us page after page verifying/ cross checking with our originals. She talked to another official, retyped on the computer,and we over heard her say its not on The SAVE" not updated yet,no record". After almost 30 minutes with us, the SSA officer braved herself and just said " I will have to refax the file to USCIS, and send the email as well,so guys wait again for another 4 to 6 weeks". " Anyway" she said "it normally takes 6 to 10 weeks to clear, you are still okay. WOW! Ten weeks to get a SSN in America these days?. On the first day,they told us it takes 4 to 6 weeks,when we called,we were told 6 to 8 weeks,today its 6 to 10 weeks,what a hech is this rubish? And the USCIS,asked for the SSN last week,the IO wondered why it has taken so long.

So,calling the SSA is not advisable at all, walk in there and talk..actually my wife will be back in that office again on tommorow.

[I'm Gone 60]

My bank won't even let him be on my checking and savings accounts without a SS number.

You DO NOT have to have a SSN to be added to your spouses bank account. I ran into this problem when I tried to add my husband. Here is a quote off of the Social Security Administration website.

"Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without a Social Security number. You do not need a number to conduct business with a bank, register for school, apply for educational tests, obtain private health insurance, apply for school lunch programs or apply for subsidized housing. You cannot get a Social Security number for the sole purpose of obtaining a driver’s license. "

I tried again after I found this information and I simply told the teller that I needed a manager that was aware of these rules from SSA. The only thing we had to have was his passport with his visa and I-94.

This is not SSA's rules. It's just SSA's way of letting you know that in most cases nothing requires you to give out your SSN, but on the other hand nothing to stop the person or business that requested it from refusing service if you don't give it up.

https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0203325001

GN 03325.001 Disclosure and Verification of Social Security Numbers (SSN) Without Consent

The Social Security number (SSN) was established in 1936 for the purpose of tracking the wages of workers covered under the social security system. Because of its use as a unique identifier, the SSN is one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information in SSA’s records. It is the key to identifying and retrieving most of the highly personal and sensitive information SSA maintains about individuals.

Over the decades, the use of the SSN has expanded greatly beyond the original purpose for its establishment. In fact, it has become the identifier of choice by all levels of government and the private and commercial sectors as a numerical key to their recordkeeping systems. In some cases, Federal (and State) laws have been enacted that authorize the use of the SSN for a specific purpose or purposes. In the vast majority of cases, however, there are no Federal laws that either prohibit or authorize the use of the SSN. Consequently, governmental and nongovernmental entities use the SSN as a personal identifier for lawful purposes because of its ready availability as a unique identifier. Some government agencies use the SSN for identification and administrative purposes. The private sector uses the SSN for similar purposes, generally, without restraint. For example, the private sector may refuse service or credit, deny admission or membership, etc., to anyone unwilling to furnish his/her SSN. There generally is no provision in any Federal law governing or limiting the use, or the disclosure of the SSN by the private sector such as businesses and organizations, except for fraudulent use of the SSN.

SSA has no authority over other entities’ collection and use of the SSN.

https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0203325005

GN 03325.005 Use of SSN by Government Agencies

All Federal, State, and local government agencies must comply with the provisions of Section 7 of the Privacy Act. This provision states that it is unlawful for any Federal, State or local government agency to deny to any individual any right, benefit or privilege provided by law because the individual refuses to disclose his/her SSN, unless disclosure was required by statute or regulation prior to January 1, 1975, or is required by Federal statute.

Any government agency that asks an individual to furnish his/her SSN must inform the individual:

-- whether furnishing the information is mandatory or voluntary,

-- by what law or other authority the agency is requesting the number, and

-- the uses that will be made of the information.

http://www.ssa.gov/history/ssn/ssnchron.html

The Interest and Dividend Tax Compliance Act (P.L. 98-67) requires SSNs for all interest-bearing accounts and provides a penalty of $50 for all individuals who fail to furnish a correct Tax Identification Number (TIN) (usually the SSN).

https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203510

RM 00203.510 Alien without Work Authorization - Nonwork Need for an SSN

With limited exceptions, an individual must provide a TIN to a financial institution for an account or other monetary transaction (loan, mortgage, stock/bond purchase) for tax purposes. The TIN may be either the SSN assigned to the individual when applicable, or an ITIN assigned by the IRS.

If the alien has been present in the U.S. for less than 6 months, he/she is exempt from providing a TIN for banking purposes and should ask the financial institution for Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status.

[giddy34 0]

They want to make it difficult for spouses. I mean hey who really needs to contribute to the household after all we are only just a number to them oh and a wife or husband with no cause .. I reakon they are just seeing who will crack under the pressure LOL hahahha

SSN number and ead cards is a joke we pay good money for what ????

BTW I was also told to go straight down and get a card oh and low and behold no information on comp have to wait 4 weeks for a card if the information lines up with theirs LOL

[I'm Gone 60]

They want to make it difficult for spouses. I mean hey who really needs to contribute to the household after all we are only just a number to them oh and a wife or husband with no cause .. I reakon they are just seeing who will crack under the pressure LOL hahahha

SSN number and ead cards is a joke we pay good money for what ????

Didn't you submit an I-134 with the visa application? You didn't pay one penny for an SSN.

[giddy34 0]

Nt that i know of basically im doing that dora program and I had to pay money for the EAD which says when you go in that it is supposed to stop any more fees but noooooooo ... I got charged 180 a peice .. And yes im a spouse on a K3 and the kids are K4s

btw when i turned up for my interview they said they didnt do EAD's there and to keep that paperwork..

Nt that i know of basically im doing that dora program and I had to pay money for the EAD which says when you go in that it is supposed to stop any more fees but noooooooo ... I got charged 180 a peice .. And yes im a spouse on a K3 and the kids are K4s

plus I am still unable to work for 4 weeks so the social security paper says until there stuff matches up with the uscis how does that work huh go figure nothing suprises me anymore if its to easy then generally there is a catch ...

Oh Buzz 17 try a differnt bank cause you can be on a bank account with out a ssn number I have jsut been added to my hubbys and we opened up a new one with a totally differnt bank.. all they ask is when i get the number to add it later..

Edited June 1, 2006 by giddy34

[Satisfaction 1]

Nowadays, there is so much red tape that obtaining anything from a government agency has become a daunting experience. Things were already f... up before, but it has only gotten worse and worse over the years.

To tell you a little story; listen to this:

A few years ago (I think 2001), I lost my SS card and needed to get a new one.

So I go to the SS office to apply for one. (I still don't have the GC in hand at that time, because it takes about one year for INS to process it and mail it) I show my passport stamped with my I-551.

The guy says to me that, because I don't have the physical green card, it will take about 34 weeks to mail me a new card, because of the time it takes to make the verification with INS!!! Did he say: 34 WEEKS??? Are you kidding me, man!? Is this some kind of a joke?

What is the use of having a I-551 then? Don't I already have a SSN anyway? I want to scream and , but I just decide to walk off.

The next day, I went to a different SS office and guess what? I received my SS card in the mail within 2 weeks... B)

[meauxna 15]

Nt that i know of basically im doing that dora program and I had to pay money for the EAD which says when you go in that it is supposed to stop any more fees but noooooooo ... I got charged 180 a peice .. And yes im a spouse on a K3 and the kids are K4s

btw when i turned up for my interview they said they didnt do EAD's there and to keep that paperwork..

Nt that i know of basically im doing that dora program and I had to pay money for the EAD which says when you go in that it is supposed to stop any more fees but noooooooo ... I got charged 180 a peice .. And yes im a spouse on a K3 and the kids are K4s

plus I am still unable to work for 4 weeks so the social security paper says until there stuff matches up with the uscis how does that work huh go figure nothing suprises me anymore if its to easy then generally there is a catch ...

What are you talking about, the EAD application 'is supposed to stop any more fees'??? What 'which' says that?

Are your children going to work? Why did you apply for employment authorization for them?

The Dallas office people would not accept your I-765s? Did they recommend what you should do with them?

If you think that "they" are making it harder on spouses, you might review the law that governs the K-3 visa and see what it's purpose is--apparently it is not for work. If the need for work was that important, you should maybe have stuck with the Immigrant Visa process?