Usually applicants go to the Social Security Administration (SSA) office in-person to apply for a social security number (SSN), which is a quick process and generally results in issuance of a SSN in about one week. Unfortunately, given the length of the shutdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic, the SSA is also backlogged. Call your local office to see if an in-office appointment is necessary. Local SSA office contact information can be found here. Generally speaking, if a person’s social security card does not arrive within two weeks after receiving one’s work permit, and they cannot get an in-person appointment at their local SSA office, they will typically follow the advice of the SSA agent who they speak with on the phone. Finally, SSN applicants are able to set up a My Social Security account online, if they have not already done so. This account typically allows applicants to track their SSN application, especially if they have mailed in their documents to the SSA office. Sign in or create an account here. Those who mail their applications to the SSA office for review will generally track and insure their package to prevent the loss of important documents.