Skip to content

Social Security #

Have you been offered a job on campus or a paid off – campus Curricular Practical Training opportunity and need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)?
 
A social security number is how the U.S. government accurately records the wages you earn at your job, therefore you are required to apply and get a SSN if you will be employed while a student at Wheaton College. You must show proof of an employment offer with your application.
 
To apply for a SSN, follow these steps:

  1. Submit an online SSN Application
    • If you live on campus, do not use the word "CPO" in your mailing address or it may stop delivery of your SSN card.
      • Example, if your CPO = 123
        • First Name Last Name (write your first and last name here)
        • 421 N Chase St. # 123 (but with your specific CPO number)
        • Wheaton, IL 60187
    • Be prepared to schedule an in-person appointment at the end of the online application process.
      • Please save a copy of your appointment confirmation
      • When scheduling an appointment, choose the soonest appointment available in any of the nearby Social Security offices. Please arrive to your in-person appointment with all the required documents, otherwise your application will not be accepted. 
        • Can find local offices by using several local Zip codes: 60187 (Wheaton), 60506 (Aurora), 60517 (Woodridge), 60162 (Hillside), and 60108 (Bloomingdale).
  2. ​Print and complete, with your employer, the Proof of Employment Letter 
    • Once complete, bring to your DSO for the required signature
    • If your new job requires CPT authorization (off campus job/internship) see instead Step 4 below
  3. To begin working while waiting for your SSN card, you MUST email a screenshot of your SSN appt. confirmation and proof of employment letter to hr@wheaton.edu 
  4. Gather the following documents to provide at the time of your application
  5. If you are applying for an SSN because you are starting a job/internship that required Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization, do not use the Proof of Employment Letter. Instead, bring the following:
    • Latest I-20 with the CPT authorization on it (page 2). Your DSO would have printed a new one at your CPT appointment. ​​​​
    • A letter from your employer that has your name, job title, start date, hours you are working per week, supervisor's name and contact information (telephone # /e-mail and signature). This letter should be printed on company letterhead.

 After your SSN appointment at the local office, you will be mailed a social security card with your number on it.  As soon as you receive your SSN, you must report it (in person, never by e-mail) to the Payroll/Human resources office of your employer (for on campus jobs, this office is on the first floor of Blanchard Hall).  

Check out the employment tabs on this website if you need guidance completing the I-9 employment form or the W-4 tax form.