My step by step process for SS# in IL

I know I had questions before going to get my ss# and my questions were never answered so here's how my process went:

I received my EAD card and I821D in the mail yesterday but it was after 3:30 and ss office was closed. I downloaded the form needed, which is this one http://socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.pdf. Filled it out incorrectly (butchered my rarely used middle name). Luckily they have those forms in the counter as soon as you walk in the office.

I got a number and filled out my new form. I was extremely nervous as I waited for my number but when it was my turn I handed the guy my application and told him I was applying for a new social. All I needed to show was my EAD card and my birth certificate. There was a very brief interview consisting of the following questions:

Do you have a voters registration card?
Have you ever worked before?
When did you arrive in the USA?
Do you have an ITIN?
Have you ever filed tax returns?
Did you do your schooling in the USA?
When did you arrive in the USA?

No, I didn't accidentally post the same question twice. I was just so nervous I butchered the answers! No thanks to the vague explanations found on this forum ( but keep in mind, I didn't do a search recently and am not sure if this question has recently been answered).

Basically I said I do not have a voters card, I have not worked in the US (which is not true but I was so nervous I panicked cuz I was not prepared for any questions), I told them I arrived in 1994 (even though I've been here since 86! (Smh. So nervous). I do have an ITIN which I've filled taxes with (so that corrected my previous question of employment in the US), I did all my schooling in the USA, and they asked me again when did I arrive in the US. I asked how accurate does my answer have to be and he said it doesn't matter so once again I answered 1994. Where I got that year? I have no idea. I've been here since 86!!!

Well regardless, I was given a letter with my name and address that read I should receive my ss card within two weeks. If I haven't gotten it by the end of two weeks I need to call them back.

I hope this helps people who are getting ready to go apply for their ss card. I know this wouldve helped me a lot.

Err where the answers to those questions recorded?

From all the anecdotal references to the "Interview' is that they do record these.

To what effect do these have on your future, I don't know. I emailed a couple lawyers and I got mixed reactions.

I was not interviewed, I was asked during another visit when I come the US, I avoided the answer and said I had never applied for a SSN before.

What if you have worked before but under the table? or worked w a fake social? hmm

I don't get why they interview you, I mean, USCIS has our info, they just want to make it difficult for us.

No they were not. They were made in the same window and it all took less than 5 mins so I had no time to react. What's done is done on my part. This is just a heads up for the rest of you on what to expect. Ur not taken into a separate room or anything.

I asked this question.

I don't know if they just want a record or what....

But I could not find any reference to some kind of criminal conviction coming out of this for working without authorization.

SSA is not ICE and they are not there to enforce anything, but find fraud and abuse and refer to proper agencies.

wow they ask you so many question. I went today to apply and all she ask was if I ever apply for ssn before. Then she took me EAD and passport and gave me a receipt which said to wait 2 weeks.

I got that from a few experiences, yet this is not the norm.

They usually do take you to a separate place and tell you they will record you. Also the SSA Rep is required to make notes of your answers on your SS5, this can be requested in the future.

To the best of my knowledge my answers were not recorded and it was very informal. He rushed thru the questions. Like I said. It took less than five mins. If for some reason I "was being recorded" (and I very highly doubt this) Im sure no one would be able to hear my answers because there was no obvious microphone by me or near me and I am very soft spoken when I am nervous and I mumbled all of the answers.