Social Security Number/individual Taxpayers Identification Number
Social Security Number
A Social Security Number is a unique, 9-digit taxpayer identification number used for taxpayer identification, income reporting, and record-keeping purposes. A Social Security Number is not work authorization. The Social Security Administration issues numbers to all U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible foreign nationals. Eligibility to apply for a Social Security Number is dependent on one’s eligibility for employment in the U.S. Everyone who is employed in the U.S. must have a Social Security Number. Once issued, the number is valid for a lifetime. If you have been issued a number previously, do not apply for another as this will cause confusion in your tax records. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you will need to visit one of the local Social Security Administration offices to apply for one.
Individual Taxpayers Identification Number ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the IRS for certain resident and non-resident aliens, their spouses, and their dependents. The ITIN is a 9-digit number in the same format as the SSN and begins with a “9,” with the 4th and 5th digits ranging from “70” to “88.” It is only available to individuals who need a tax payer identification number for valid tax purposes and who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, an SSN from the Social Security Administration. For more information on applying for an ITIN number, contact the International Programs Office.
Old Age Survivors And Disability
SSA administers the retirement, survivors, and disabled social insurance programs, which can provide monthly benefits to aged or disabled workers, their spouses and children, and to the survivors of insured workers. In 2010, more than 54 million Americans received approximately $712 billion in Social Security benefits. The programs are primarily financed by taxes which employers, employees, and the self-insured pay annually. These revenues are placed into a special trust fund. These programs are collectively known as Retirement, Survivors, Disability Insurance .
SSA administers its disability program partly through its Office of Disability Adjudication and Review , which has regional offices and hearing offices across the United States. ODAR publishes a manual, called HALLEX, which contains instructions for its employees regarding how to implement its guiding principles and procedures.
The RSDI program is the primary benefits program administered by the U.S. federal government, and for some beneficiaries is the vital source of income. Increasing access to this benefit program for low-income or homeless individuals is one of SSA’s goals. SSA is a member of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and works with other municipal, county, state, local and federal partners to increase access and approval for SSI/SSDI benefits who are eligible.
Directions To Houston Social Security Office:
Located Near Intersection Of Senate Ave And Hwy 290. From East Exit Sena Te, Turn Right On Senate Then Left On Dillard. From West Exit Fm 529/sen Ate, Turn Left At Senate Then Left On Dillard. From North Take Beltway 8 South, Exit West Road, Stay On Service Road, Turn Right On Hwy 290 Serv Ice Road, Turn Right On Senate Then Left On Dillard. From South Take Bel Tway 8 North, Exit W Little York/senate, Stay On Service Road Until It P Asses Underneath Hwy 290 And Becomes Senate, Then Turn Left On Dillard.
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What Kind Of Documentation Do I Need To Bring
The documentation that you need to bring along varies depending on what it is you are trying to do. At a minimum, you will need some form of identification. This might be a driver’s license, U.S. Passport, or state-issued non-driver’s identification card. You might also need your current Social Security card and even your birth certificate. It is usually best to take everything you can even if you are not sure whether you need it. It is better to carry documentation that is not needed than to arrive without the proper documentation.
Texas Attorney General Child Support Division
The Office of the Attorney General provides services for parents who wish to obtain or provide support for their children and offers a full range of child support services at no cost. The services are required by federal law and funded by the federal government and the State of Texas. Call 800-252-8014 for information.
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Texas Lawyers For Texas Veterans
The Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans is a State Bar of Texas Program to develop and assist pro bono clinics throughout the state for military veterans who otherwise cannot afford or do not have access to the legal services they need. This website also includes a pamphlet entitled Resources for Veterans Seeking Help. For more help, call 512-427-1529.
How Can I Check My Social Security Benefits
The easiest way to check your benefits is by logging into your My Social Security account online through www.SSA.gov. Once you get logged into your account, you can view benefit statements, benefit estimates, earnings history, and the status of any pending applications. That site should be your go-to for any information related to your Social Security account.
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Tax Assistance For Non
Texas Global at UT Austin is an IRS VITA organization that offers free tax assistance to nonresident aliens who need help to prepare their own tax return. This tax season we are not able to provide individual appointments to assist in tax filing. Please email questions to for assistance.
Our tax advising is focused on providing assistance in understanding filing instructions, how to navigate GLACIER Tax Prep, and general questions regarding nonresident taxes. Any specific tax situations that cannot be addressed by our volunteers will need to be discussed with a licensed professional tax advisor.
All volunteers have completed training through the IRS VITA program and as such are protected from liability under the Volunteer Protection Act. The taxpayer is ultimately responsible for the information on their tax returns.
Social Security Office Holidays
The Social Security Office in Houston 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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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.
Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers
If you do not have a Social Security Number and are not currently eligible for an SSN , you will need to apply for an ITIN to receive tax treaty benefits and/or to file your U.S. tax return. If you are from a country that allows you to claim dependents on your U.S. tax return or you are a resident alien for tax purposes and your dependent does not currently have an SSN and is not eligible for an SSN, then your dependent will also need to apply for an ITIN to be claimed on your tax return.NOTE: If you are only required to file form 8843 for your U.S. tax return, then no SSN nor ITIN is required.
Rice-sponsored F-1s and J-1s receiving a taxable scholarship, fellowship, or grant who are not eligible for a SSN and do not yet have an ITIN may be able to apply for an ITIN at OISS through a special provision in U.S. tax law. Please visit to learn more.
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Here Is A List Of The Acceptable Forms Of Photo Id:
- Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety
- Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
- Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
- Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
- United States Military Identification Card containing the persons photograph
- United States Citizenship Certificate containing the persons photograph
- United States Passport
With the exception of the U.S. Citizenship Certificate, which does not expire, for voters aged 18-69, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired no more than four years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. For voters aged 70 or older, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired for any length of time if the identification is otherwise valid.Election Identification Certificates are available from DPS driver license offices during regular business hours. Find mobile station locations here.
County Indigent Health Care Program
The County Indigent Health Care Program provides health care services to eligible Texas residents through the counties, hospital districts, and public hospitals in Texas. The website helps a person search for clinics in their home area and provides information on the local county where you must submit applications for the program. To reach CIHCP, call 979-413-7155.
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Plan Ahead To Avoid Long Lines
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Like many businesses and organizations, Social Security had turned to options like online and telephone services to conduct its operations during the pandemic. Those options are still available. Nevertheless, people in rural areas and those without access to transportation or technology have struggled for help with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income .
To avoid waiting in line, I strongly encourage people who can, to use our online services at www.socialsecurity.gov, call us and schedule appointments in advance rather than walking in without an appointment, said Kilolo Kijakazi, Social Securitys acting commissioner, in a statement. Social Security warns that it is currently having problems with its phone systems. You may experience service issues, including poor call quality, dropped calls and long wait times.
Still A Good Idea To Make An Appointment For In
Social Security field offices, closed since March 17, 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reopened Thursday, April 7.
During the pandemic, in-person appointments at Social Security field offices were limited to critical situations, such as for people who were without food, medicine or shelter. While most offices can help you without an appointment, a few offices are closed or open by appointment only. Find out which offices are closed or open by appointment only, by visiting ssa.gov/emergency. SSA encourages you to make an appointment as this will help them plan for you.
You can do many things online at ssa.gov, such as apply for benefits. Also, with a personal my Social Security account, you can get an instant benefit verification letter or check the status of your application most people can request a replacement Social Security card.
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Who Is Eligible For Social Security
The following people are eligible to receive social security benefits:
Social Security Numbers And Itins
A Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number is needed to facilitate payment for scholarships, fellowships, employment in the U.S., and to file a U.S. tax return. If you are not eligible to apply for a SSN, you may need to request an ITIN in order to receive tax treaty benefits and to file a U.S. tax return.
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Southern Disability Law Center
The Southern Disability Law Center is a non-profit dedicated to advancing the rights of individuals with disabilities throughout the southern United States. It represents individuals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas to challenge systemic barriers that deny individuals with disabilities access to necessary health care and educational services and supports. SDLC is not a part of any state or local government. Reach them by phone at 512-458-5800.
How Do I Apply For Social Security Benefits
You will need to complete an application for benefits. This can be done online, in person, or over the phone. The application process is necessary whether you are applying for retirement or disability benefits. You will need your Social Security number and other required documentation to complete your application.
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What Is Social Security
In 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act. This new federal legislature started the collecting of taxes in 1937. Since then, working citizens across the United States began paying into social security in order to have a form of guaranteed income once they reached retirement age.
The Social Security Act was initially meant to be a form of basic retirement for working individuals. However, in 1939, an amendment was made to the act that allowed spouses and/or children to begin receiving social security survivor benefits if a parent or spouse was deceased and qualified for social security income.
File For Disability In Texas
If you are suffering from a disabling condition and wish to apply for Social Security Disability in Texas, there are a couple ways to file a claim for benefits with the Social Security Administration . You can apply on the internet, over the phone, or in-person.
- You can apply online on the SSA’s website at ssa.gov.
- You can apply over the phone by calling the SSA’s customer service at 1-800-772-1213
- You can apply in-person at the closest Social Security field office. Find your office in Texas below.
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The Texas Able Program
The Texas ABLE Program was made possible by the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014, which was passed to provide certain people with disabilities a way to save for disability-related expenses without risking the loss of disability benefits. It allows the creation of a qualified ABLE program by a state under which an ABLE account may be established for an individual with a disability who is the Designated Beneficiary and owner of that account. To get more information about the Texas ABLE Program, call 844-4TX-ABLE .
Lawyer Referral Information Service
If you do not qualify for legal aid, contact the Lawyer Referral Information Service website or call 800-252-9690. Through this service, a person may have a 30-minute consultation with an attorney for $20. At the end of the consultation, the attorney and individual may discuss possible representation and price structure. Please note that the Lawyer Referral Information Service is not a pro bono or reduced-fee program.
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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:
How Do I Make An Appointment With The Houston Texas Office
Even in situations where your local office is open normal hours, it is always better to schedule an appointment to help cut down on your wait time. You can call the Houston, Texas office at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule your appointment. When you make the call, they can also let you know what documents you need to bring to your appointment.
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Volunteer Legal Services Of Central Texas
Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas is a non-profit organization that provides civil legal services to low-income people through attorney volunteers in Travis County, Texas. VLS attorneys help people with critical matters, such as helping victims of abuse end violent relationships, connecting people with disabilities with medical and financial benefits, and keeping people out of homelessness by defending against wrongful evictions and foreclosures. For more information call 512-476-5550.
Can I Schedule An Appointment With The Houston 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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