What the SSA-561-U2 Form Does

The SSA-561-U2 is a verification form Social Security uses to confirm that a non-citizen has the right immigration status to receive benefits. The form asks for your immigration document details — your Alien Number, visa type, or other immigration record — so Social Security can check your status against federal immigration databases.

You will receive this form by mail if Social Security cannot verify your immigration status through their normal channels. It is not a request for benefits; it is a request for proof that you are allowed to receive the benefits you already have or have already applied for. If you do not return it, Social Security will typically stop or deny your benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • The SSA-561-U2 arrives when Social Security cannot confirm your immigration status through existing records and needs you to provide it yourself.
  • You must return the completed form within the deadline Social Security gives you, usually 10 days from the date on the letter.
  • The form asks for your Alien Number, visa category, and the dates your immigration status was valid or granted.
  • If you do not have all the information requested, contact Social Security before the deadline to explain what you cannot provide.
  • Returning the form does not may provide your benefits will continue; Social Security will review your immigration status and make a final decision.

When Social Security Sends You This Form

Social Security sends the SSA-561-U2 when they need you to prove your immigration status but cannot find that proof in their records or in the immigration databases they can access. This happens most often when you are a non-citizen applying for Social Security benefits for the first time, or when your immigration status has changed since you last received benefits.

The letter that comes with the form will explain why Social Security is asking for this information. Common reasons include: your Alien Number does not match their records, your visa category is unclear, or your immigration documents were not uploaded to the system correctly when you first applied.

What Information You Need to Provide

The SSA-561-U2 asks for specific immigration details. You will need to provide your Alien Number (also called an A-Number), which appears on your green card, work permit, or other immigration documents. You will also need to list your immigration category — for example, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or temporary visa holder — and the dates that status was granted or became valid.

If you have a green card, your Alien Number is on the front. If you have a work permit (EAD), it is on the back. If you have an I-94 arrival/departure record, the number appears there as well. The form also asks whether your immigration status is still current or has expired, and when it will expire if it is still valid.

Do not guess or leave fields blank. If you do not have a piece of information, write "unknown" or "not applicable" and explain in the space provided. Social Security would rather have an incomplete form with an explanation than a form with incorrect information.

How to Complete and Return the Form

Print the form or request a paper copy from Social Security if you received it electronically. Fill in all sections that apply to you. Use black or blue ink and print clearly. If you need help reading or understanding the form, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask them to explain each question before you fill it out.

Return the form by the deadline shown in the letter Social Security sent you. Most deadlines are 10 days from the date on the letter. You can mail it to the address on the form, fax it if a fax number is provided, or bring it in person to your local Social Security office. Keep a copy for your records and, if you mail it, consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

What Happens After You Return the Form

Social Security will use the information you provide to verify your immigration status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or other federal immigration databases. This verification process usually takes two to four weeks. During this time, your benefits may continue, be suspended, or be stopped depending on your situation and what Social Security's records show.

After Social Security completes the verification, they will send you a letter explaining their decision. If your immigration status is confirmed and you meet all other benefit requirements, your benefits will continue or be approved. If Social Security cannot verify your status or finds that you do not have the right immigration category to receive benefits, they will deny or stop your benefits and explain your right to appeal.

If You Miss the Deadline or Cannot Find Your Documents

If you miss the deadline, contact Social Security immediately. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain that you did not return the form on time. Social Security may give you an extension, especially if you have a good reason — such as being out of the country, having a medical emergency, or not receiving the original letter.

If you cannot locate your immigration documents or do not have all the information the form asks for, do not ignore the letter. Instead, call Social Security before the deadline and tell them what you cannot provide. Ask whether they can look up your Alien Number in their system or whether you need to contact USCIS directly to get a copy of your immigration records. Some Social Security offices can help you request replacement documents or can verify information through other means.

Your Right to Appeal

If Social Security denies your benefits based on the information you provide on the SSA-561-U2, you have the right to appeal. You must request an appeal within 60 days of the date on the denial letter. You can request an appeal by phone, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office.

During an appeal, you can provide additional documents, explain any errors in Social Security's records, or present new information about your immigration status. If you believe Social Security made a mistake in verifying your status, bring any documents that prove your correct immigration category or status. You can also ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge if you disagree with Social Security's decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Alien Number and where do I find it?

Your Alien Number (A-Number) is a unique identifier assigned by U.S. immigration authorities. It appears on your green card (front), work permit or EAD (back), I-94 arrival/departure record, and most other immigration documents. It is usually an eight or nine-digit number. If you cannot find it, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and provide your name and date of birth; they can tell you your number.

Can I submit the form online or by email?

Social Security does not accept the SSA-561-U2 online through their website. You must mail it, fax it (if a fax number is provided in your letter), or bring it in person to a Social Security office. Some offices may accept email in limited circumstances; call your local office to ask before emailing.

What if I am a refugee or asylee — do I still need to fill out this form?

Yes. Refugees and asylees must provide their immigration status and the date they were granted that status. Write "refugee" or "asylee" in the immigration category field and provide the date your status was approved. Social Security will verify this information with USCIS just as they do for other immigration categories.

Will returning this form affect my immigration status or my path to citizenship?

No. The SSA-561-U2 is used only by Social Security to verify your status for benefit purposes. Returning it does not change your immigration status, does not trigger an immigration investigation, and does not affect your citizenship application. Social Security and immigration authorities are separate systems.

What if Social Security says my immigration status does not allow me to receive benefits?

Different immigration categories have different rules about who can receive Social Security benefits. If Social Security determines your status does not allow benefits, they will explain which category you fall into and why that category is not may be able to access. You can appeal this decision and provide additional documents if you believe Social Security made an error about your immigration category or status.