Social Security: How Long Does It Take To Get Your Newborn’s Social Security Card
Q: I applied for my child’s Social Security card in the hospital but have not received it. How long must I wait?
A: On average, it takes about four to five weeks from the time you apply in the hospital until you receive your childs Social Security card in the mail. However, it can vary depending on the state where you live. If you have not received your childs card within six weeks, please visit your local Social Security office. Be sure to take with you proof of your childs citizenship, age and identity as well as proof of your own identity. And remember, we cannot divulge your childs Social Security number over the phone.
Applying For An Ssn When Adopting
Even if you adopt a child, you may still have to go through the social security card application process, but it all depends on the situation. For example, if the child you wish to adopt is a U.S. citizen already, they may have an SSN, so you wont have to go through the trouble. If you are adopting domestically instead, and you find out that your child doesnt have the SSN, you can get an ATIN or Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number. This will allow you to claim the child-related tax breaks during the pending adoption of the child.
The IRS Form W-8A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions is necessary. Keep in mind that the ATIN will have a 2-year validity, after which you can extend it if the child adoption was not finalized. The ATIN can stop being used once the adoption is final. Then, you can use the typical process for applying for a Social Security number.
Also, if you wish to adopt a child from a different country, it is better to wait until the finalization of the adoption and the childs entrance into the U.S. to get an SSN. Once again, you will have to follow the same application process in this situation.
Learn How To Apply For Your Child’s Social Security Number
A Social Security number is the federal government’s way of identifying your child. Your child will need a Social Security number in order for you to claim child-related tax breakssuch as the dependent exemption and the child tax crediton your income taxes. You will also need the number to add your new baby to your health insurance plan, to set up a college savings plan or bank account for your child, or to apply for government benefits that could help your little one.
Here’s how to get a Social Security number for your baby.
You May Like: How To Get Your Newborn To Sleep
We Are There From Day One
Getting your child a Social Security number should be near the top of the list of things you need to do as a new parent or guardian. Your child’s Social Security number is the first step in ensuring valuable protection for any benefits they may be eligible for in the future.
Youll need your childs Social Security number to claim them as a dependent on your income tax return or open a bank account in the childs name and buy savings bonds. Your childs Social Security number is also necessary to obtain medical coverage or apply for any kind of government services for your child.
Most people apply for their childs Social Security number at birth, usually at the hospital. When the time comes for your childs first job, the number is already in place. For more information on getting your child a Social Security number and card, check out .
A fun bonus of assigning Social Security numbers at birth is that we know the most popular , which we announce each year. On our website, you can find the top baby names for the last 100 years.
With You Through Lifes Journey
The makeup of American families has changed in the last 20 to 30 years. Today, family units are diverse, rich in culture, and may include two parents, same-sex parents, only one parent, grandparents, and other relatives. Social Security knows that whether single parent, blended, diverse, small or large, every family is important.
For more than 80 years, Social Security has helped families secure today and tomorrow by providing financial benefits, tools, and programs that help support millions throughout lifes journey. Our programs and services have evolved to meet your unique family needs and especially the children in your care.
You May Like: What Can You Give A Newborn For Constipation
What Is An Ssn
Social security numbers are the main identifying number used for official government/legal transactions as well as on credit records consequently theres a wealth of information associated with a persons social security number . Typically, a lawyer, private investigator or credit agency can conduct an SSN search and get relatively fast public record results.
However, these SSN searches are far from free and can only be run if you have one of the few approved, official purposes. In addition, they typically require consent from the person youre searching .
How To Receive Federal Benefits
To begin receiving your federal benefits, like Social Security or veterans benefits, you must sign up for electronic payments with direct deposit.
If You Have a Bank or Credit Union Account:
- Call the Go Direct Helpline at .
If You Don’t have a Bank or Credit Union Account:
- Direct Express debit card – a pre-paid debit card. Get help by calling the Go Direct Helpline at .
Make Changes to an Existing Direct Deposit Account:
Learn how to make changes to an existing direct deposit account. You also may contact the federal agency that pays your benefit for help with your enrollment.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Jaundice In Newborns
Is A Social Security Number Public Information
Social Security Numbers are not public information, but it was not originally meant to be sensitive information. The SSN was intended solely for the purpose of the administration social security benefits. However, social security numbers eventually became a personal identification number for official purposes such as credit, employment, and other legal matters.
The growing use of social security numbers beyond the original US Government purpose led to it becoming something that needs to be kept private. However, an SSN lookup can still reveal certain information such as what state the SSN was issued in and the year that it was issued.
Were There When They Get Their First Job
Once your child starts working and throughout their career, employers will verify their Social Security number to help reduce fraud and improve the accuracy of their earnings records.
Employers collect FICA, or Federal Insurance Contributions Act withholdings, and report earnings electronically. This is how we verify earnings and is how your child earns Social Security retirement, disability, and survivors coverage.
Once they turn 18, they can open a mySocial Security account and watch their personal earnings and future benefits grow over time.
You May Like: What Is A Good Gift For A Newborn Baby
Secure Your Childs Social Security Number
Having a Social Security number is an important part of legal life in the United States. While most government forms and paperwork are a challenge, the Social Security number process for newborns and young children is straightforward. In fact, most parents complete the paperwork before leaving the hospital.
If youre preparing for the birth of a child, review these steps above. Knowing what to expect helps you ensure you get your childs number quickly and easily. When in doubt, contact your local Social Security Administration office.
Categories:
Why Is The Irs Sending Me Letter 6475
“The Economic Impact Payment letters include important information that can help people quickly and accurately file their tax return,” the IRS said in a January release, including personal information — like your name and address — and the total amount sent in your third stimulus payment.
This could include “plus-up” payments, the additional funds the IRS sent to people who were eligible for a larger amount based on their 2019 or 2020 tax returns, or information received from the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans’ Affairs or the Railroad Retirement Board.
You may have already received a Letter 1444-C, which showed the amount you were paid and how it was delivered, but that’s not what you want to use to prepare your 2021 return.
Don’t Miss: What To Do If Your Newborn Is Constipated
If You’re Not Sure Why You Received A Payment
If you receive a check or direct deposit payment from the Treasury Department and do not know what its for, contact the regional financial center that issued it.
If you received a check, look for the RFCs city and state at the top center. Then contact that RFC to find out which federal agency authorized the payment. It will be one of these:
If you received payment byelectronic funds transfer , or direct deposit, follow the directions under Find Information About a Payment.
Use the Treasury Check Verification System to verify that the check is legitimate and issued by the government.
Security Protecting What’s Important To You
One of our most important responsibilities is protecting your personal information and your financial contributions. We use state-of-the-art systems for this. Conducting continuous reviews helps us ensure proper payments. And we work hard to educate everyone on best practices for protecting their Social Security number. We are committed to safeguarding the information and resources entrusted to us.
Also Check: What To Do For Newborn Dry Skin
Your Childs Birth Certificate
You will be provided a birth parents worksheet to complete in the hospital after you have your baby. The information from this worksheet will be used by the state of Ohio to create your babys birth certificate. See instructions for each hospital below: Bethesda North and Good Samaritan hospitals
McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital | TriHealth To receive a certified copy of your childs birth certificate, mail a money order made out to Butler County Health Department, including a self-addressed stamped envelope along with the completed application, to:
- Butler County Health Department 301 South Third Street Hamilton, OH 45011 513 887 5230
Store Your Childs Card Safely
Finally, once youve received your childs Social Security number, keep their card somewhere secure. Identity fraud is a real threat, so make sure you have somewhere safe to keep the card secure. Youll need this number for tax forms, benefits, and other government documents.
Its smart to keep this with your other important documents. Preferably, store it in an easy to secure safe or another storage system. Learn more about how long to keep documents for more information on how to secure legal and government documents.
Tip: Celebrate a life well-lived virtually with GatheringUs.
» MORE: Create one for free with Cake.
Also Check: When Can I Give My Newborn A Bath
How To Apply For A Newborns Social Security Number
To apply for your childs Social Security number you must complete a birth registration form. When completing this form, you must check a box to request a number for your child. It is also necessary to provide the parents Social Security numbers.
You may be wondering where do you get the birth registration form. Most hospitals will distribute the birth registration form after a child has born and while the mother is still a patient. If the birth did not occur at a hospital or for some reason the birth registration form was not completed, new parents can visit a local Social Security Administration office and request the number in person. If this were the case, you need to do the following:
- Fill out the Form SS-5 and provide the parents Social Security numbers
- Provide at least two documents that prove your childs age, identity, and citizenship status. One of these documents should be your childs birth certificate, and the second document can be a medical record or the hospitals birth record.
- Present proof of your own identity, you may present your drivers license or passport.
After you have submitted the application at the SSA office, your childs Social Security card should be delivered between 6 to 12 weeks. If your child is older than one-year, it can take a lot longer to process your application. This is because the SSA will contact your states department of vital statistics to verify the validity of the birth certificate provided on the application.
Why Does My Child Need A Ssn
In order to claim your child on your taxes, you need their SSN.
If you want to open a bank account, purchase a savings bond, insure them, or get government services for them, theyll need a SSN.
Eventually, they will grow old and need a SSN to get benefits.
Visit the Social Security Administrations website to learn more about getting your child a valid SSN.
Don’t Miss: What To Do When Newborn Constipated
How To Replace Your Childs Social Security Card
Securing your childs Social Security card is an important step in the process, but accidents do happen. If your childs card is lost or stolen, replacements are easy and free. Its important to note that you dont need the physical card. While its helpful to have, its more important to know the number. It rarely needs to be physically shown.
To apply for a replacement card for your child, follow these simple steps:
- Gather your childs documents – First, secure documents proving your childs identity, citizenship, or immigration status. This could be their passport, birth certificate, or other medical records.
- Gather your documents – Next, gather your own documents. Youll need to prove your identity and your relationship to your child.
- Complete the application form – Fill out the application form from the Social Security Administration. This is the same form used when applying for the initial card.
- Submit the form – Either file the form in person at a local Social Security office or mail it to your local center. All documents need to be submitted with the form, and they need to be original or certified.
From there, your local office verifies your documents and application. Your card should be received within ten business days of the date on your receipt. The number on the card is the same as your childs previous card.