Three Types of Social Security Cards Explained: What’s Different and What’s the Same
A Social Security number (SSN) is a unique nine-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is one of the most important identification numbers used in the United States and should be protected carefully.
An SSN is commonly required when starting a job, filing taxes, opening a bank account, and applying for certain government benefits. The Social Security card issued to an individual displays this number.
How People Receive a Social Security Number
For children born in the United States, parents commonly request a Social Security number at the hospital while completing the newborn’s birth registration paperwork.
However, U.S. citizens are not the only people who may qualify for an SSN. Certain non-citizens who are legally present in the country may also receive Social Security cards, although restrictions printed on their cards may differ depending on their immigration and employment status.
The Three Types of Social Security Cards
According to the Social Security Administration, Social Security cards generally fall into three categories.
1. Unrestricted Social Security Card
An unrestricted card is issued to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, commonly known as Green Card holders.
These cards do not include employment restrictions and can be used as evidence of authorization to work in the United States when combined with applicable identification requirements.
2. Social Security Card With Limited Work Authorization
Certain non-citizens who are lawfully in the United States and have temporary permission to work may receive this type of card.
The individual must have appropriate work authorization from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The card carries the wording:
“VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION”
This statement appears above the Social Security number and indicates that the person’s employment authorization depends on valid DHS approval.
3. Social Security Card Not Valid for Employment
This type of card may be issued to certain visa holders who do not have authorization to work but have a legitimate non-employment reason for needing an SSN.
It may also apply when an individual is legally required to have a Social Security number to qualify for specific federal or state benefits.
These cards display the wording:
“NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT”
The restriction is printed clearly above the Social Security number.
Can Undocumented Immigrants Get a Social Security Number?
Undocumented immigrants are generally not eligible to receive a Social Security number. They are also generally ineligible for many federal and state benefit programs that require eligible immigration or residency status.
Why the Type of Social Security Card Matters
Although all Social Security numbers contain nine digits, the wording printed on the card can indicate whether the holder has unrestricted employment authorization, authorization that depends on DHS approval, or no authorization to work.
Understanding these distinctions is especially important for employers and non-citizens navigating employment and government benefit requirements.
The Social Security Administration issues three main types of Social Security cards based largely on citizenship, immigration status, and work authorization.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents generally receive unrestricted cards, while eligible non-citizens may receive cards containing employment restrictions. Checking the wording on the card is one of the simplest ways to understand what limitations apply.
