Social Security cards are issued centrally from Baltimore based on applications taken in any Social Security office. For those who need immediate verification that they have applied for a Social Security card, the Social Security office can issue a receipt.

There are three types of receipts (in either English or Spanish) depending on the type of card that will be issued.

• Form SSA-5028 is issued to individuals who are allowed to work in the United States.
• Form SSA-5029 is issued to individuals who are not allowed to work in the United States and whose card will bear the legend "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT."
• Form SSA-5030 is issued to individuals who are allowed to work only with authorization from the Immigration Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and whose card will bear the legend "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION."

If you go into your local Social Security office to apply for a Social Security card, you should request the form at that time. If you mail your application and documents, you should include a written request for a receipt. The receipt will not be issued until all documentation necessary to complete your application is received and your application can be processed.