warwick3

Hi
I wondered if anyone knew if the USPS will forward a SSN card?
Two weeks have passed since we were told our SSNs would be with us, as all went well at the application on 11/21 (am guessing thanksgiving delayed things a bit though). We are moving this weekend and I have set up mail forwarding from our temporary housing (which was the address used in the SSN form).
Checked the gov website and it says we should let them know if we move before we get our cards through, but I wondered if it's already on it's way will it be sent back to them by the mailman or posted into my new mail box by redirection. It's going to be a few days before we can go 'get in line' again to let them know. Also, is that likely to cause a long delay, as we really need my number now for some banking and work benefits 😬

Noorah101

You don't need a SSN for either banking nor benefits.

Rene

warwick3

Thanks for your comment, but I think my phraseology confused you. We have a bank account but they won't extend any credit to us without the number, and our employer needs the number for several work-related benefits.

Rete

NO he doesn't. He can put in a temporary number, i.e. 000-00-000 and then give the social security numbers when they come through.

Not all US government mail is forwardable. Let social security know you new address.

edenaries

I wAs told by my bank that I can't apply for a credit card until my ss comes trough

Karlosthecackle

When i moved here I opened a checking account and "secured" credit card with Wells Fargo on the week we were here for home finding. Basically i gave WF $1000 of my money and that was my credit limit. It was about 9 months later they changed it over to a "normal" credit card and upped the limit.

I was advised not to even try and apply for a true credit card until i'd been here at least a year. If you've just moved here you won't have any credit rating and searches now will have a detrimental effect.

As for SSN again during my home finding week/visit i went to the local Social office early in the morning (first in the queue!) on the monday. i used my work address (as I didn't have a residence yet). It had arrived by Thursday that week!

EDIT TO SAY : To be clear, I didn't have my SSN when i opened my bank account and secured credit card... WF was my next stop after the Social Security Office

edenaries

Thank you so much for the advice. I'm here with my husband and while he has his ss I have absolutely nothing.... I feel like an extra baggage with all the thinks I can't do :-( it just makes me want to go back and be normal again.

Rete

Are you eligible for one? Some dependents on visas are not eligible for a social security number. Since you tacked your inquiry onto someone else's thread and didn't tell us about yourself and your visa, we have no way of knowing what is what.

tom169

Take a breather for a second.

Realistically right now the only thing you can't do without an SSN is get a state driving licence and an unsecured credit card.

If you're a permanent resident (or have employment authorization of some sort) then you can work without an SSN.

Aside from that, I'm not sure what your status is in the US, but are there other things you could be getting on with preparing? Like AOS forms?

edenaries

Aplogies I'm also new to the forum and trying to figure out what should I post and where. Without a ss I have not been able to open a credit card, I'm allowed to have a state driving licence and I joint bank account.
I've been told that at this stage I can't have a ss unless my husband employer apply for a green card for my husband (and I). With my visa I can study and do voluntary work but that's all.

tom169

Has your husband's employer committed to this?

Noorah101

It must be an H-4 visa? It helps if you actually tell us the visa type.

Rene

edenaries

He said he will...

edenaries

Hi yes it is... note to myself be more specific :-)

Rete

Yes, you need to be specific. Each visa has its own conditions attached to it and the H visa for a spouse is called the visa from hell. No you are not eligible for a social security number/card and as such you are not eligible to get a credit card under your name.

I suppose you will have to be content with being a user under your husband's card if he is able to put you under it that is. If not, then you are forced into using your bank debit card for credit card purchases.

While his employer said he would initiate the processing of green cards for your spouse and you, he doesn't have to do so. And if he does, it takes time to go through the process.

It is unfortunate that your husband had to obtain a H visa to live and work in the US because it makes life miserable for you.

BTW be careful where you volunteer. Not all volunteer work is available for you. If it is a 'job' that someone else is being paid to do, then you cannot do it, even as a volunteer. That's my take on it.