If you're looking for jobs that don't require a Social Security number (SSN), you might be a new U.S. resident or a young citizen who hasn't applied for one yet. An SSN is essential for determining whether a person can legally work in the country and is required for most people entering the job market. However, in some cases, you may be able to work without one—at least for a while.
In this article you'll learn what a Social Security number is, why it's important, and explore jobs that don't require an SSN—along with tips on how to get hired.
Looking for a stable income? Check out open jobs on The Muse and get closer to your financial goals »
What is a Social Security number?
A Social Security number is a numerical identifier assigned to U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to track income, determine benefits, identify individuals for tax purposes, and track credit reports.
You should apply for an SSN if you're a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen—which according to a 2023 report published by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), includes permanent residents and temporary residents with authorization to work. In some instances, non-working residents may also be able to apply for an SSN, but a specific type known as a “non-work SSN.”
Tourists and other unauthorized citizens cannot work legally in the U.S., thus are not eligible for any form of work authorization.
Why does having an SSN matter?
Having an SSN is important because it tracks information about your work history, such as years worked and earning, that is used to compute government benefits you may be entitled to in the future—for example, retirement benefits, health insurance, unemployment insurance, and disability.
The law requires employers to get their employees' SSN so they can provide the IRS with details of your salary and withholding contributions to Social Security and Medicare. Your employer will also report these details to the state if you work in a state with income tax.
“Employers are required by law to report employee wages to the IRS and the SSN is necessary for complying with federal and state tax regulations,” says attorney Scott Monroe, Founder of Monroe Law, P.A.. “It’s also used for background checks to confirm that the potential hire doesn’t have any legal issues that could affect their employment.”
Because an SSN is officially tied to your identity (and no one else’s), it’s also required to open bank accounts, get a driver's license and a passport, apply for federal loans, and identify your tax return.
Do you need a Social Security number to get a job?
Yes. A Social Security number is one of the documents you must provide for employers in the hiring process. However, under certain circumstances you may be able to begin work without an SSN. “An exchange student or a recent immigrant can begin working in the U.S. without a Social Security number temporarily,” Monroe says. “However, it’s mandatory to apply for one soon after employment begins.”
In these specific circumstances, you'll have to provide proof that you've applied for an SSN and other legal documentation that establishes identity and authorization to work—such as a “work visa, employment authorization documents, or as part of an exchange program. But an SSN is still required for tax and reporting purposes,” he says.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides a list of acceptable documents that establish identity and authorization to work in the country.
Do job applications ask for SSN?
Typically, no. Employers generally ask for a Social Security number, and other forms of legal documentation, later in the hiring process when the candidate accepts an offer. However, they can ask as long as certain rules and regulations for protection of SSNs and personal information are being followed.
Before providing any personal information besides what normally goes on a resume, make sure you're logged in the employer's real website and not a scam site. If you have the option, you can leave this part of the application blank and only provide the number when/if you get hired.
Jobs that don't require SSN
According to Monroe, informal or temporary jobs don’t typically require an SSN. Here are some examples of jobs you may be able to get without a Social Security number:
1. Independent contractor or freelance work
If you have knowledge or abilities that you can leverage, you can work as a freelancer or independent contractor. In both cases, you'll provide services for clients (that could be individuals or businesses) but won't be hired as a regular employee—which means those clients might not ask for your Social Security Number.
“Individuals working as freelancers or independent contractors can sometimes work without an SSN, especially if they use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes,” Monroe says. “This applies to non-citizens who may not yet have an SSN but still need to file taxes.”
To become a freelancer or independent contractor, first, you need to figure out what skills you have that other people may need. Some examples of common freelance and independent contractor work include:
- Data-entry
- Translating
- Transcribing
- Web development
- Software development
- Graphic design
- Photography
- Writing (blog posts, social media content, and such)
Next, you need to create a portfolio (if you don't have one already) and advertise your work somewhere to attract clients. You could use your own social media profiles or platform for freelancers and independent contractors like Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour.
2. Side gigs and short-term work
For people that don't have specific skills or knowledge to monetize, side gigs and short-term, labor-intensive tasks are an alternative. “Certain gig economy jobs that are often paid in cash may not require an SSN,” Monroe says. “However, these jobs are often informal and might not provide the benefits or protections of formal employment.”
Some examples are:
- Babysitting
- Dog walking
- Pet sitting
- Car washing and detailing
- Household and domestic work
“Some domestic work, such as housekeeping, gardening, or home repair for private households, may not require an SSN, especially if payment is made informally,” he says. To get any of those jobs you can register on specialized platforms that connect workers with potential clients.
For example, Wag! is a platform for dog walkers, while Rover focuses on pet sitting. MobileWash and Spiffy are popular platforms for on-demand car care. For other types of work, platforms like Nextdoor connect independent workers and business owners with potential clients and customers in their own neighborhoods.
(Interested? Here are 17 side hustle ideas for extra cash—you can start today!)
3. Volunteer positions
If you don't need money immediately but you'd like to gain some skills or grow your portfolio, you can work as a volunteer. “Unpaid volunteer work, such as roles with charities or nonprofit organizations, generally doesn’t require an SSN because there is no employment relationship or taxable income involved,” Monroe says.
In the U.S., nonprofit organizations such as homeless shelters, animal shelters, retirement homes, and home construction organizations often need new volunteers to do all sorts of work, including sorting clothes, filing, and cooking.
To get started, determine what interests you the most and what skills you can offer. Then, research local organizations and reach out. The National Coalition for the Homeless and The Humane Society of the United States both have national directories of organizations where you can volunteer. Note that every organization has their own particular process and criteria to accept new volunteers.
How long can you work without an SSN?
“There isn’t a specific ‘grace period’ for how long someone can work without an SSN,” Monroe says. “But employees should apply for one promptly since the IRS requires employers to report wages under the employee's SSN for tax purposes. Employers can still proceed with payroll and tax withholdings by noting the application status.”
If you're an immigrant, the USCIS states that receipts establishing identity and authorization to work are valid for 90 days from the first day of work. In some instances, this period can be extended if other reasonably related documentation is provided. However, the details of this rule can vary depending on each particular case and state laws. For additional information, consider visiting a USCIS office.
Potential drawbacks of working without an SSN
It's important to note that you can only work without a Social Security number if you have proper authorization to work and are currently following the proper steps to get an SSN. Without that, you could get in legal trouble—especially if you're an immigrant.
“If the person is working in the U.S. without the proper authorization, such as a work visa or Employment Authorization Document, they are violating U.S. immigration laws,” Monroe says. “This could lead to deportation or disqualification from obtaining legal status in the future.”
There are other circumstances in which working without an SSN might cause problems with the law:
- Failure to report income: If you don't pay taxes on any income you earn, you could be in violation of tax laws. “The IRS requires all workers in the U.S. to report their income and pay taxes, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status,” Monroe says. “Using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number can sometimes be an alternative for tax filing if the worker is not eligible for an SSN.”
- Compromised legal protections: As a worker without a formal work relationship, Monroe says, you may not be entitled to protections “such as minimum wage laws, worker’s compensation, unemployment benefits, or the ability to report labor law violations.” Also, in the event that you have a dispute (e.g. unfair dismissal or wage theft) with your employer or client (if you're working as a freelancer or independent contractor) it can be difficult to pursue legal action.
Employers that don't follow proper procedure when hiring workers without SSN are also liable for tax violations and/or federal immigration laws violations, which can result in fines, penalties, or worse.
“Employers must use the Form I-9 to verify that all employees are authorized to work in the U.S.,” Monroe says. “Hiring unauthorized workers can result in fines, penalties, and legal action. In some cases, the company’s ability to conduct business may be compromised.”
How to get a Social Security number
The Social Security number application varies depending on your citizenship or immigration status. Here's what to do:
U.S. Citizens
If you're a U.S.-born individual over age 12, you must apply in person at the nearest social security office. You'll need to present official or certified copies of documents that verify your identity (e.g. birth certificate, driver's license), show proof that you don't have an SSN already, and undergo an interview.
Immigrants
If you're an immigrant already in the U.S., you must go to a social security office with proper identification and employment authorization documents, such as your Permanent Resident Card or Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV), and birth certificate.
If you're outside the U.S. and currently applying for an immigrant visa, you can apply for a Social Security Number at the same time. The application process includes filing a DS-260 form that can be found on the U.S. Department of State website along with other crucial information about immigrant visa applications.
Bottom line
While you may be able to work temporarily without a Social Security number, this document is mandatory for all workers in the U.S., including citizens and eligible noncitizens. Failure to get one can set off a handful with problems with the law. Also, most jobs that don't require an SSN are usually informal and temporary jobs where you aren't entitled to employment benefits and are unlikely to be protected by labor laws.
For this reason, you should apply for an SSN as soon as you possibly can. Keep in mind that it may take up to two weeks to receive your number and card after the application so it doesn't stop you from getting or maintaining a job.