Important Tips
Protecting Your SSN
- Please review brochure from the Social Security Administration on protecting your SSN from identity theft.
- The social security number is yours for life and can be used to open financial accounts in your name, so be very careful about who you provide the number to. Don't carry your SSN card in your wallet in case it gets lost, and don't send the number via email.
- Social security scams are common. Please review this SSA page and the OISS Scam Alerts page for more information.
SSN Appointment Tips
- Be sure to ask for a receipt showing you applied for the SSN. With the receipt and your passport, you can return to the Social Security office the following day and receive your SSN. However, your physical Social Security card will arrive in the mail two to three weeks after your appointment.
- Visit the Social Security Office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for quicker service. Also, avoid the beginning and end of the month as those are peak times.
- If you have issues with your application, contact your OISS advisor. We can work with the Social Security office to clarify issues.
SSN Application U.S. Address Format
When you apply for the Social Security Number (SSN), a physical card will be mailed to you at the address you provide on your SSN application. It is important to make sure your U.S. address is correctly formatted. Otherwise, delivery of your SSN card may be delayed or you may be required to reapply for the SSN.
SSN Application U.S. Mailing Address Format:
Line 1: Street number followed by street name, Apartment number (if you have one)
Line 2: City, State and Zip code
Example of Off-Campus Address:
123 Chancellors Drive, Apartment 601
Wilmington, NC 28403
Example of On-Campus Address:
601 South College Road, UNCW Station CB#_ _ _ _ _
Wilmington, NC 28407 - _ _ _ _
CB# = Campus Box Number. Add the last 4 digits of your campus box number after the UNCW zip code.
If you don't know your campus box number, follow the steps on the Seahawk Mail website to view your current box assignment.