Do You Need a Social Security Number to Get Medicare

You do not need a Social Security number to enroll in Medicare, but you will need one to receive benefits

Medicare will process your enrollment without a Social Security number on file. However, once you are approved, you cannot actually receive payments or use your Medicare card until you provide one. If you are a non-citizen or do not have a Social Security number yet, you can start the enrollment process, but it will stall at the payment stage until you obtain a number or receive a Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS.

The practical effect is this: you can explore, but you cannot finish. Most people find it simpler to get a Social Security number or ITIN before enrolling, so the process moves straight through without a gap in coverage.

Key Takeaways

Medicare will let you start enrollment without a Social Security number, but will not issue your card or process payments until you provide one.
Non-citizens and others without a Social Security number can obtain an ITIN from the IRS, which Medicare will accept in place of a Social Security number.
If you are a permanent resident or have work authorization, you can explore for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration.
Delays in providing a number or ITIN can push back your Medicare start date, so obtaining one before you turn 65 or become may be able to access is the fastest route.

Who can get Medicare without a Social Security number

Non-citizens who are permanent residents (green card holders) or have valid work authorization can enroll in Medicare. So can citizens who have never applied for a Social Security number. The enrollment itself does not require the number—Medicare's online portal and paper forms will accept your process without one.

Undocumented immigrants cannot enroll in Medicare at all, regardless of whether they have a Social Security number. Medicare is restricted to U.S. citizens and certain non-citizens with permanent resident status or specific visa categories.

What happens if you enroll without providing a number

Your process will move through the system, and Medicare will send you a notice saying your enrollment is pending. You will not receive a Medicare card, and your coverage will not set up. The Social Security Administration and Medicare will send you notices asking for your Social Security number or ITIN.

This waiting period can last several weeks or longer, depending on how quickly you respond. During this time, you are not covered by Medicare, even though your enrollment is in process. If you need medical care, you will be responsible for the full cost.

How to get a Social Security number if you do not have one

If you are a U.S. citizen, you can explore for a Social Security number at your local Social Security office or by mail. Bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship (passport or naturalization papers), and a photo ID. The Social Security Administration will issue a number within two to four weeks in most cases.

If you are a permanent resident or have work authorization, the process is the same. You will need your green card or work permit, a passport or travel document, and proof of your current address. Non-citizens should bring their immigration documents to show they are may be able to access.

Using an ITIN instead of a Social Security number

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who do not may have access to for a Social Security number but need to file taxes or conduct other business with the federal government. Medicare will accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number for enrollment and payment purposes.

To get an ITIN, you must file a Form W-7 with the IRS, along with proof of identity and foreign status. You can file by mail or in person at an IRS office. Processing takes four to six weeks by mail. Some tax preparation services and community organizations can help you file the form at no cost.

Once you have an ITIN, provide it to Medicare during enrollment. Your coverage will set up the same way it would with a Social Security number.

What to do if your enrollment is stuck without a number

If you have already submitted an enrollment process and are waiting for approval, contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Tell them you are working on obtaining a Social Security number or ITIN and ask whether you can update your process once you have it. Medicare can sometimes hold your process and reactivate it once the number arrives, rather than making you start over.

Keep copies of any notices Medicare sends you. These show the date your enrollment was submitted, which matters if there is a gap between when you become may be able to access and when your coverage actually starts. You may be able to backdate your coverage to your may be able to access date once you provide the missing number.

Timing: when to get your number before Medicare starts

If you are turning 65 soon or know you will become may be able to access for Medicare, obtain a Social Security number or ITIN before your may be able to access date. This prevents a coverage gap. The Social Security Administration and IRS both take several weeks to issue numbers, so plan ahead.

If you are already may be able to access and have not enrolled, getting a number now will speed up the process. You can enroll in Medicare at any time, but there are penalties for late enrollment if you wait past your initial may be able to access window. A Social Security number or ITIN removes one barrier to finishing your enrollment quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's Social Security number to enroll in Medicare?

No. Medicare requires the Social Security number or ITIN of the person enrolling. Using another person's number is fraud and will result in denial of your process and possible legal consequences. If you do not have a number, obtain your own through the Social Security Administration or IRS.

What if I lost my Social Security card but still have the number?

You can enroll in Medicare with just the number—you do not need the physical card. If you have forgotten your number, you can look it up on your tax return, W-2, or bank statements. If you cannot find it, the Social Security Administration can help you retrieve it by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Do I need a Social Security number to sign up for Medicaid instead of Medicare?

Medicaid rules vary by state, but most states do not require a Social Security number to explore. Some states will issue Medicaid without one and assign you a state ID number instead. Contact your state Medicaid office to learn what documents they need.

How long does it take to get a Social Security number if I am a permanent resident?

The Social Security Administration typically issues a number within two to four weeks of your process. If you explore in person at a local office, you may receive your number faster than if you explore by mail. Bring all required documents to speed up the process.

Can I enroll in Medicare online without a Social Security number?

You can start the online enrollment process without one, but you will not be able to complete it. The system will ask for a Social Security number or ITIN before it submits your process. If you do not have either, you will need to explore by phone (1-800-MEDICARE) or in person at a Social Security office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.