Social Security

Spring 2026 Trips to the Poughkeepsie Social Security Office
 

The Office for Student and Scholar Services will be providing transportation to the Social Security Office in Poughkeepsie on the following Friday mornings for the Spring 2026 Semester:  
February 6, February 20, March 6, March 27, April 10, May 8

The Van/Bus will leave from Gahagen House each day at 9:15 am. 

Please arrive on time with ALL of the following documents:
*Completed SSN Application
*Completed Employment Authorization Form or letter on Bard letterhead 
*Valid Passport
*I-20 (F-1 student) or DS-2019 (J-1 student/scholar)
*I-94 arrival record

For more information email: [email protected].

Applying for a Social Security Card

A Social Security Number (SSN) is used primarily for tax record-keeping purposes and other government benefits for permanent residents.  Employers use the SSN to maintain payroll records and as a form of identification for the I-9 Employment Eligibility Form. Most employers require a Social Security Number from their employees. As a result, scholars and F-1 and J-1 student visa holders are required to apply for a Social Security card as soon as they are employed in the United States. You need to provide proof of submitting your Social Security card application to the Human Resources or Student Employment Office by providing the notice of receipt sent by the Social Security Office after you submit your application during your one-on-one interview.


Social Security Application Assistance

IILE Student Ambassadors will be available at specific times throughout the week to advise on the SSN application process and review application materials. Students must have their application materials reviewed by an IILE Student Ambassador before requesting a DSO signature on their Employment Verification form.

Social Security Application Assistance is available on a walk-in basis in Gahagen House at the following times:

Monday: 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Monday: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Thursday: 300 pm - 5:00 pm

How to Protect Your Social Security Information 

To protect your Social Security number (SSN):

  • Keep your card in a safe place at home and memorize your SSN
  • Do not carry your card or provide your SSN unless absolutely necessary
  • Always ask why it's needed and how it will be used, and shred documents containing your SSN before discarding them
  • Create a personal "my Social Security" account to monitor for suspicious activity and report any suspected identity theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov.