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.
How To Get Help
While Social Security offices remain closed, most services are available through the agencys website, by telephone , or via limited in-person appointments. You can find the office closest to you with an online locator tool. More information on dealing with Social Security during the pandemic is available on its website.
If youre dealing with Social Security by phone, be cautious. The number of Social Security identity phone scams has been rising. The agency generally only contacts people who have recently applied for benefits, or to update the records of those who are receiving benefits. The agency will never call to tell you that your Social Security number has been suspended or to demand payments or ask for credit card information.
If you need to enroll in Medicare, free counseling is available from the national network of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, known as SHIP. More information is available on its website.
The nonprofit group Medicare Rights Center runs a free national Medicare help line, which can be reached at 333-4114. The center also offers useful tips on enrolling in Medicare during the pandemic.
Social Security Office Chicago Illinois
Social Security Offices in CHICAGO provide help with services handled by the Social Security Administration. Social Security Office CHICAGO service areas: CHICAGO
- Apply for Disability SSDI OR, Supplemental Security Income
- Apply for Medicare
- Help with Medicare prescription drugs
- Check on application status
- Replace a Medicare card
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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.
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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Using Our Automated Telephone Services
Services for all beneficiaries
- Request a benefit verification letter
- Ask for a form SSA-1099, Social Security Benefit Statement, to request a replacement tax summary
Services for Medicare beneficiaries only
- Request a replacement Medicare Card
- Request a form SSA-1020 to apply for help with Medicare prescription drug costs
Services for people who have applied for benefits
- Ask to receive a claim status
Services everyone can use
- Find the address of your local Social Security office
- Request a form SS-5,Application for a Social Security Card, to:
- apply for an original Social Security card or a replacement card if yours was lost or stolen,
- request a name change on your card, or
- update or correct other information on your Social Security number record.
Informational Messages
You can listen to informational messages on the following subjects:
- Payment delivery dates
- Best times to call our 800 number
- Social Security Internet address and services
- Supplemental Security Income
- Non-receipt of your Social Security benefit
- Representative payee
Services for Social Security Benefits Only
- Change address and/or phone number
Social Security Office Chicago Illinois Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Local Phone Number For The Social Security Office In Chicago, Illinois?
You can call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 .
What Services Can The Local Chicago, Illinois Social Security Office Provide?
- Apply for a Social Security number
- Check on your earnings record
- Apply for Social Security benefits, SSI, hospital insurance protection, and extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs
Note: There is no charge for the services of the SSA office staff.
How Do I Apply For A New Or Replacement Social Security Number In Chicago, Illinois?
You can use a my Social Security account to request a replacement Social Security card online if you:
- Are a U.S. citizen age 18 years or older with a U.S. mailing address
- Are not requesting a name change or any other change to your card and
- Have a drivers license or a state-issued identification card from one of the states listed.
You must show the required documents if you cannot apply for a card online. We need to see different documents depending on your citizenship and the type of card you request.See Learn What Documents You Need to find out what documents you must show. Fill out and print an Application for a Social Security Card and take or mail your application and documents to your local Social Security office.
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What Documents Do I Need To Apply For Social Security
Documents the Social Security Administration may ask for include:
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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How Do I Apply For Social Security Benefits
The easiest and quickest way to apply for retirement, spouses, ex-spouses, or Medicare benefits is to apply online. If you do not wish to use the online application, or the application for the benefit you want is not available online, you can call 409-8427 or visit your local Chicago SSA office. Learn More About Applying for Benefits.
Who Is Eligible For Social Security
The following people are eligible to receive social security benefits:
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Applying For A Social Security Number
Read below for application instructions.
As of May 2022, the Social Security Administration is also offering an ONLINE OPTION to initiate your SSN application.
Starting in Fall Quarter? Your SEVIS record must be activated before you can apply for an SSN. Your SEVIS record will be activated after the add/drop deadline in mid-October. This means you must wait until mid-October to apply for an SSN.
What Is A Social Security Number

The Social Security Number is a tax identification number that tracks employee salary in a payroll system. Social Security Numbers are issued by the Internal Revenue Service , which is the tax authority of the United States, at birth for U.S. citizens. To be eligible to apply for a SSN, foreign nationals must be required to have one for a specific immigration status or as an employee onboarding requirement.
The University Payroll Office must show proof an SSN to the IRS for every individual employed by the University in order to pay that employee and to conduct government reporting required of employers. F-1 and J-1 students that are eligible for employment in the United States, whether on or off campus, will also require a Social Security Number.
Beyond tracking payroll, the SSN has become somewhat of a universal identification number used for many purposes around the country, including signing up for utilities, phone service, credit reporting, and banking.
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Questions About Social Security
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We encourage you to post any questions you have about Social Security in the comments section below.
If you found this article on Chicago IL Social Security Office Locations and Phone Number helpful, we encourage you to Share This with someone who may also find it helpful. We always appreciate your support!
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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More On Social Security And Retirement
- Earning Income After Retiring: Collecting Social Security while working can get complicated. Here are some key things to remember.
- An Uptick in Elder Poverty: Older Americans didnt fare as well through the pandemic. But longer-term trends arent moving in their favor, either.
- Medicare Costs: Low-income Americans on Medicare can get assistance paying their premiums and other expenses. This is how to apply.
- Claiming Social Security: Looking to make the most of this benefit? These online tools can help you figure out your income needs and when to file.
But there have been problems.
There has been a sharp drop in applications for S.S.I., and for disability insurance. S.S.I. is an important tool for reducing poverty among the oldest Americans, and its beneficiaries are disproportionately people of color. For example, 50 percent of S.S.I. recipients 65 or older in 2017 were African American or Hispanic, and about 15 percent were Asian American, according to a new Census Bureau report.
The drastic drop in S.S.I. applications and awards is deeply disturbing, said Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, an advocacy group. Generally, those numbers rise in a recession. It means that too many poor seniors and people with disabilities are not getting the help they desperately need.
We cant have peoples original documents flying around in the mail or putting them into a drop box and wondering when they will be returned, he said.
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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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 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.
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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.
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.
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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:
Finding Your Closest Ssa Officeheading Linkcopy Link
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
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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.