How to Obtain Social Security Numbers for Children

A newborn baby needing love, attention and a social security number

Every new parent has a to-do list a mile long, but one important item that you should not neglect is obtaining your child's social security number. The easiest way to apply for your child's social security number is at the hospital, when your child is born. Many hospitals will ask, when taking information for your newborn's birth certificate, whether you would like to obtain a social security number. If your hospital does not offer this option, you will need to apply for your child's social security number yourself. If you take the time to carefully assemble the necessary documents, the process can be smooth. Until your child has a social security number, you cannot apply for any government benefits he is entitled to or even claim him as a dependent on your tax returns.

Things You'll Need

• Parents' social security numbers
• Child's birth certificate
• Proof of child's identity
• Parent's driver's license or passport

Instructions

1. Obtain an application. You can get a blank application from your local social security office or from the Social Security Administration's website, listed below.

2. 

   Filling out a government form

   Fill out the application. You will need your own and the other parent's social security number, if available.

3. 

   Your child's birth certificate is an important part of your application.

   Gather all the required documents. All documents must be originals---the Social Security Administration will not accept photocopies. As proof of your child's identity, the Social Security Administration prefers a U.S. passport. Since newborns will not yet have a passport, acceptable substitutes include a baptismal record, certain hospital records, or an adoption decree. For older babies and children, if your child does not have a U.S. passport, you can still substitute another document so long as it contains your child's name and identifying information. If you have a document that also contains a recent photograph of your child, this is better. Examples of documents the Social Security Administration will accept for older children also include a school ID card or a school or daycare record.

4. Take your application and documentation to your local social security office. Depending on your location, the line may be long or short. Once you reach the front of the line, an employee will check your form and documentation.

5. 

   Your child's social security number will arrive by mail.

   Wait about six weeks to receive the social security number. Processing times vary; at times, it may take up to eight or nine weeks before you receive your child's social security card.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have access to your child's birth certificate, a U.S. passport can establish your child's age and citizenship. If you use the passport in this way, however, you cannot also use it to establish her identity. You can also use a U.S. consular report of birth or certificate of naturalization to establish your child's citizenship.

• If you do not have your own U.S. passport or driver's license, you can still obtain a social security number for your child. You will need to provide at least one of the following: a state ID card; a U.S. military ID card; a private health insurance card or life insurance policy; a marriage license; or an employee or school ID card.

• If your child is 12 years old or older, you will not be able to obtain a social security number using only the above steps. In addition, he will need to sit for an interview at your local social security office.

References

• Social Security Administration: Social Security Numbers for Children
• Social Security Administration: Baby's First Number -- A Social Security Number
• Social Security Administration: Application for a Social Security Card
• Social Security Administration: Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens