Obtain Proof Of Employment Eligibility
To be eligible for an SSN, you must provide proof of employment to the Social Security Administration. You must have this documentation in hand before you apply for an SSN. The type of proof varies with the type of work authorization you have:
After You Apply For An Ssnheading Linkcopy Link
Once you apply, SSA will process your application and, if approved, mail you a card containing your unique and permanent Social Security Number . It can take two to six weeks from the date of application for the card to arrive by mail. After you receive your card, please submit a copy directly to your employer.
Most likely you will receive a Social Security card with the notation, VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION. SSA issues this type of card to people lawfully admitted to the U.S. on a temporary basis who have authorization to work by the Department of Homeland Security .
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SSA issues SSNs to non-U.S. citizens that are authorized to work in the U.S. Students and scholars in F-1 or J-1 Exchange Visitor statuses, employees in H-1B, TN and O-1 statuses and pending permanent U.S. residency applicants must have an authorized, paying job to be eligible for an SSN.
Per SSA guidance, SSA cannot issue a Social Security number solely for you to open a bank account or get an Illinois State Drivers License.
If SSA rejects your application and indicates you are ineligible for an SSN, you will receive a letter stating that you are not eligible for an SSN, known as a Form L-676.
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Can I Apply For Medicare Benefits At This Chicago Office
If you decide to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up for Parts A and/or B by: Visiting your local Social Security office. Calling Social Security at 800-772-1213. Before you decide how you want to go about applying for Medicare, you need to understand the different parts of the program and which ones you need. Learn More About Applying for Medicare.
Where Are The Social Security Offices In Illinois Located

Illinois has a few Social Security offices located in various cities throughout the state. You will likely want to schedule your appointment at the one that is closest to your location. However, remember that appointments are limited, so it could take some time to get an appointment at a specific location. Driving to another city might allow you to get an appointment more quickly. The Social Security Administration has also announced that offices will be reopening in March 2022, so you will no longer need an appointment to visit your local office at that time.
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Harold Washington Social Security Center
600 W. Madison StreetView map
The Harold Washington Social Security Center occupies one city block of Chicago’s West Loop. Owned by GSA but delegated to the Social Security Administration, the building is named in honor of Harold Lee Washington, a former U.S. Congressman and the first African-American mayor of Chicago, who served the city from 1983 until his death in 1987.
Property Manager: Sharon Young
Building Hours: The building is not open to the public. Hours for federal employees are 6 a.m.6 p.m. Monday through Friday .
For SSA claims or other customer issues, call or visit SSA.gov. For building information or service calls, contact the Harold Washington SSA Property Management Office listed elsewhere on this page. For other federal government information, call toll-free .
How Do I Apply For Disability Benefits
If you need to apply for disability benefits, you have a few options. You can apply online, over the phone, or at your local office. The online application is the quickest and easiest way, but the other methods are available should you need them. Should you need to apply over the phone, simply call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 .
This site is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any other government agency.
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Chicago Social Security Office 60625
As of April 7, 2022, local social security offices will restore in-person services, including for people without an appointment.
The Chicago Social Security Office location is in Chicago, Illinois 60625. This page provides the contact information for this location including the Social Security office phone number, office hours and driving directions.
If you have questions or issues about your retirement Social Security benefits, or you need to schedule an appointment, then call the Chicago Social Security Office listed below. The Illinois SSA handles several federal programs such as retirement, SSI, Medicare and disability benefits.
- Get a copy of your proof of benefits
- Apply for Social Security retirement benefits
- Apply for benefits for Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance
- Apply for Social Security spousal or survivor benefits
- Apply for Medicare or get a replacement Medicare card
- Set up direct deposit for your Social Security benefits
How Do I Apply For A Temporary Social Security Card
Requesting a replacement card online is the fastest way to get your new card however, if you need a temporary Social Security card, then you will need to head down to your local SSA office. While they will not technically issue a temporary card, they will give you a receipt showing that your new card has been requested. This receipt can act as a sort of temporary card in some cases.
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Social Security Office Holidays
The Social Security Office in Chicago observes all federal holidays and will be closed during that time. Here’s a list of all holidays that the office will be closed:New Year’s Day, MLK Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
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In the unfortunate event that your Social Security Card is damaged, lost, or stolen, you will need to apply for a replacement. Non-U.S. citizens cannot apply for a replacement Social Security Card online. You will need to follow the application steps outlined above for your particular status. Please note that applying for a replacement Social Security Card is free. Websites claiming to expedite the processes or complete it online for you at a fee are scams.
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How Do I Know If Social Security Is Calling Me
If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be Social Security beware. You can call Social Securitys customer service line at 800-772-1213 to confirm whether a communication purporting to be from SSA is real. If you get an impostor call or email, report it to SSA using their detailed online form.
My Social Security Card Was Lost/stolen What Do I Do

If your Social Security card has been lost or stolen, you can request a replacement card online through your My Social Security account. Requesting your card online will usually allow you to receive your new card within 10 to 14 days. In addition to requesting a new card, you should also keep a close eye on your credit report. Identity thieves may attempt to use your information to establish credit or new accounts in your name. Sign up for a credit monitoring service and put a fraud alert on your Social Security number with the major credit bureaus. If someone has already tried to use your information, then you might even consider placing a credit freeze on your SSN.
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Making Your Social Security Office Visit Pain
In order to ensure that visiting your Social Security Office is a smooth and pain-free experience, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Arriving early can help reduce the time you spend waiting in line. Try to arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment.
- Even if you arrive early, you may be faced with wait times. Try to stay calm and remember that the office workers are doing their best!
- Coming prepared with the necessary documents is essential. In many cases you’ll need to bring a birth certificate, passport, proof of United States citizenship or legal US residency, and other documents. If you’re unsure as to what you’ll need, call your Social Security Office in Alabama in advance to double-check!
This site is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any other government agency.
Social Security Administration To Spend $160000000 To Expand Into New Space In Chicago Illinois
Craig Etkin
Chicago, Illinois According to state and local economic development sources Social Security Administration plans to invest $1,600,000.00 to build out new space in Chicago. The company plans to occupy the new space at 9443 S Western Ave in Chicago, on or about August 1, 2021. According to the company website Social Security has provided financial protection for our nations people for over 80 years. Chances are, you either receive Social Security benefits or know someone who does. With retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, Social Security is one of the most successful anti-poverty programs in our nations history. We are passionate about supporting our customers by delivering financial support, providing superior customer service, and ensuring the safety and security of your information ù helping you secure today and tomorrow.
To learn more about Social Security Administration, visit
Company Contact:
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Most Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?
What is a CPWIC?
What are Work Incentives?
What happens to my SSDI and Medicare if I work?
Will I lose SSI and Medicaid when I work?
What happens if I stop working? Will I have to re-apply?
No, you will not have to reapply. You will just have to contact Social Security and a MOPD Benefits Counselor can walk you through the process.
Do I have to tell Social Security that I am working?
How long does the appointment take?
Can I Schedule An Appointment With The Chicago Social Security Office
The Social Security Administration does not currently have online appointment scheduler.
The SSA website, SSA.gov, is the best way for most people to get help.
If you cannot use the website, or need more help, you can contact your local office phone number or national 800 number for help scheduling an appointment.
When visiting a local field office, appointment is not required. However, if you contact the office and schedule, it may reduce the time you spend waiting for help.
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Social Security Region : Chicago
Region 5 of the Social Security Administration includes the following: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. The region also includes 221 Field offices, 6 Offices of Disability Determination Services, 6 Tele-service centers, and the Twin Cities Social Security Card center. If you need help or have questions while filing or appealing for Social Security Disability Benefits, contact your local relevant Office for assistance.
Within Region 5, there are a little over 1,760,000 individuals who receive SSDI and approximately 1,200,000 individuals receive SSI. Overall, around 7.2% of the population in the region is considered disabled by the SSAs standards and the SSA gave out on average about 2.54 billion dollars in benefits per month in 2013.
How Do I Apply For A Social Security Number
Step 1: Be in the U.S. for 10 Days with ‘Active’ Record
If you are in F-1, H-1B or J-1 status, the data that confirms your status and the fact that you are eligible for a Social Security Number has to be accessed on-line by the agent of the Social Security Administration at the time you apply. The data will not travel from the Immigration Service to the SSA database until two conditions apply:
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What Documents Do I Need To Apply For Social Security
Documents the Social Security Administration may ask for include:
Social Security Number & Itin

The Social Security Administration is the U.S. federal agency that oversees financial protection through retirement, disability, and survivors benefits to U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents. The SSA also issues Social Security Cards that contain a unique Social Security Number to applicants. SSNs are used to report a persons wages to the U.S. government and to determine a persons eligibility for Social Security and other government services. For more information, see the SSA publication, Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens.
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OIS strongly recommends that you wait at minimum one business day from the date you complete your Immigration Check-In with OIS to apply for your SSN. SSA must verify your immigration status in order to accept your application and it takes one business day for federal databases to communicate information about your arrival and status to SSA.
Applying too early for your SSN may result in significant delay of receiving your card.
How Does The Coronavirus Impact Social Security
The SSA has reopened all local offices for in-person services. The government agency recommends people who need help try online first, then phone, before making an in-person visit.
If you must visit an office, please be aware:
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While you are allowed to visit any SSA office location, we encourage you to visit an office near campus if possible. Staff at these locations are more familiar with processing the applications of the UIC international community. When searching for an SSA office location, always search directly on the SSA website or call their national toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213.
- SSA near UICs Chicago Campus605 West Washington Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60661 563-3899
How Do I Make An Appointment At A Social Security Office In Illinois
To make an appointment at a Social Security office in Illinois, you will need to call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday. Remember that you do not need an appointment to apply for benefits or appeal a disability decision. These tasks can be completed online. You can also contact Social Security at the same number if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
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