I am a U.S. citizen married to a Dutch national for the last 15 years. We would like to get my wife a non-working social security card. She has a Taxpayer ID # as we file joint U.S. tax returns. The rules on the Soc. Sec. site are sufficiently vague as to be not very helpful. Anyone know if it is possible to get a card for her? Secondarily we tried to open an IRA account, but were told she must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien with an SS#; moreover she could not even be a beneficiary. Thanks in advance

You were told wrong about the IRA, as you can open the IRA account with the ITIN.

WHERE are you located? If in the U.S. it seems likely that your pouse should be able to get some type of SSN after 15 years of marriage.

Thanks Atlanta. We are located in Prague and she has not lived in the U.S. We have two kids both dual nationals. So the next question is how do we open an IRA for her if the company keeps asking for an SS # that she does not have? Supply the ITIN?

Yes, supply the ITIN.