Have the rules changed regarding getting a SS number?
My understanding is that you either apply yourself if you are autonomo or your first employer will apply for it when you start working.
However I have heard that you can also apply yourself even if you are not intending to go autonomo and won't be paying the monthly contribution.
Any advice please.

Purely out of interest, why should you want an SS number if you aren't employed or self-employed?


Surely SS numbers are only given to those actually making payments?

I have an SS number but am not in work, I went and got one because I was applying for vacancies and they required all the paperwork but I am actively seeking work although it is not something I do not have to rely on, should one come up I am fully legal straight away. I do not pay anything or have to be registered self employed.

Thanks for that info, very much appreciated

Out of interest what is the format of an SS number?

it is a Asignacion de numero de serguridad social o numero de afiliacion

it contains my name, my NIE number, my date of birth and my address

then it has the SS number assigned to me.

the date, the time and the reference number.

Hope that solves your curiosity.

No it doesn't! What is the format of the SS number? Numbers? Letters? How many?

Give me an example please.

Yes I'd like to know that too. I suppose I must have one but I thought it was my NIE!

NAF number example 17/ 39675206 / 85
This is not your NUSS number which has 2 letters followed by 10 numbers e.g. BC 1234567891.
Both are SS numbers NAF is for work, NUSS is for health.

I have a social security no. Have the card here. It contains both my NIE no and the SS one above eg.

26 1234567899

When we first applied for residencia (1995?)the law was different. I remember we had a pile of documents, proof of adequate income, bank statements, medical insurance. Everything had to be translated by officially approved translators. Went along to marbella to file application and they said we were lacking the SS no. Already had NIE. Went around the corner to SS office and it was very simple. Was given the number right away and the card arrived two weeks later.

Ahh how things have changed. I suppose then, that my number is on my medical card...which took 3 months to arrive!

That's why I asked. My health card was issued by the Dept of Social Security when I submitted my E121 and it shows a social security number in the NUSS format.

If you have a NAF number do you have a NUSS number as well?

Yes. When you submitted your E121 you should have been given the NAF number there and then, this is for being registered in the system it does not entitle you to a card for employment purposes.
You also receive your NUSS number and later your green card, this is your medical number.

I just checked again. The number on my card is 2 digits not letters) followed by 10 digits. On the paperwork issued by the health department it is shown in the NAF format with 2 digits/10 digits/2digits.

That's the only number I have. My health card is red not green and issued by the dept of social security, not by the Junta.

Maybe it's different in Andalucia - it's certainly pretty confusing!

Oh No ..

I will need a mine detector when I come to go thru all this in a couple of months time