How to Apply for a Social Security Number for a Baby

Applying for a Social Security card for your baby is simple and important to do. You can usually apply for the card before the newborn baby even leaves the hospital.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Postage Stamps
• Envelopes
• Pens
• Pens

1. Complete the application form provided by your hospital. You don't need to do anything else if the form is provided. Follow any instructions included about mailing it.

2. Contact the Social Security Administration at [phone] or visit your local Social Security office to obtain a form if your child was born at home or in a nonparticipating hospital.

3. Take the original birth certificate (or a certified copy) to the local Social Security office. If you're applying by mail, you'll need to mail the original or certified copy with the form. It will be returned to you.

4. Expect to receive your child's Social Security card in the mail within two months.

5. Keep the card in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box or home safe.

Tips & Warnings

• You should apply for a Social Security number for your baby right away because you'll need it if you want to open a bank account for him or her.

Who Can Help:

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[diamond488]

on 3/11/2007 hello
im going thru the same thing. my baby was born on nov 15, 06. i applied for her ssn in the hospital and the letter she gave me said i should recieve it in about 11 weeks (i still haven't). i dont have her birth certificate yet, that also still hasn't come in the mail yet. what should i do?

[mangamomma]

on 2/6/2007 I wish it was that easy. I am currently trying to obtain a SSN for my newborn. She is 4mo now and we applied for her number in the hospital and it never went through (still dont know why to this day). Upon going to the local social security office here in charleston, they told me that they would not accept her birth certificate (which is the original legit copy we recieved via mail 2wks prior)and that they require a form of id equivilant to that of a drivers license. Shes 4months old for goodness sakes!!!they suggested that i get a handwritten note, from the delivering doctor, on a prescription paper. They also suggested I bring her medical insurance card....well heres the thing, Im military and in order for tricare to do that (or any id issuing company for that matter) she needs to have a ssn. Tell me, is this going to turn into one of those "you need credit to get credit" things? (in this case credit being id/ssn)