Where Can I Find My Social Insurance Number
- On your SIN card or confirmation letter: Service Canada used to issue SINs in plastic card format, however presently, they are issued in paper format. Check your records for either your card or confirmation letter.
- On CRA documents: Your SIN is used to identify you with the Canada Revenue Agency so youll find your SIN number on the first page of your tax returns and on any other documents or correspondence from the CRA.
I Cant Remember My Childs Social Anyway We Can Look It Up
If you had your child as a dependent on a previous tax return, you can find their SS number there.
Otherwise, you need to Contact the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov.
Social Security numbers are confidential information, so they are not available online, except from some fee-based services that I dont think that I would trust.
Also Check: Where Do You Go To Get New Social Security Card
How To Get Your New Babys Social Security Number
The most convenient way to apply for a Social Security number for your newborn is at that hospital before you leave.
Welcoming a baby to your family is an exciting time.
Doing paperwork, even for something as important as a Social Security number for your newborn, is probably one of the last things you want to do. Weve made it easy. If your child is born in a hospital, the most convenient way to apply for a Social Security number is at that hospital before you leave.
When you give information for your childs birth certificate at the hospital, youll be asked whether you want to apply for a Social Security number for your child. If you answer yes, you will be asked to provide both parents Social Security numbers. Even if you dont know both parents Social Security numbers, you can still apply for a number for your child.
There are many reasons why your child should have a Social Security number. You need a Social Security number to claim your child as a dependent on your income tax return. You may also need a number for your child if you plan to do the following for your child:
Open a bank account.
Don’t Miss: How Much Sleep Should My Newborn Get
What Is A Social Security Number
A Social Security Number is a nine-digit number that is issued to the citizens, temporary residents, and permanent residents of the United States of America. This unique number is issued by the Social Security Administration which is an independent agency of the United States government. Originally, the concept was conceived to track individuals within the country. However, over time it became the primary national identification number for taxation and all other purposes. The process of applying for a new Social Security Card for a child is simple and free. It is an easy process that requires one to complete a few details and submit a few documents that confirm identity.
Apply For A Social Security Number At The Hospital
The easiest way to get your child assigned a Social Security number is to apply shortly after the birth while youre still at the hospital. It doesnt cost anything and most medical providers have the necessary paperwork. During your stay, youll be asked to provide information for your babys birth certificate. At that point, youll also be asked whether you want to apply for a Social Security number for your baby. If you say yes, you need to provide each parents Social Security number.
Read Also: How Do They Do Hearing Tests On Newborns
Make Payments To The Federal Government
Learn how to use Pay.gov to make secure, electronic payments to government agencies from your checking or savings account. You can use the online service for VA medical care copayments, U.S. district court tickets, U.S. Coast Guard merchant mariner user fee payments, and more.
If you need help, contact Pay.gov customer service.
Replacing Your Child’s Missing Birth Certificate
If you have lost a birth certificate, it may take a bit longer to get a replacement. You will need to write or visit the “Registry of Vital Records and Statistics” in the state where your child was born.
In Massachusetts, this office is in Dorchester and charges $18 if you apply in person and $28 if you apply by mail. You can find your child’s birth state office information by searching for “replace birth certificate” online.
Recommended Reading: Why Is My Newborn So Fussy At Night
Wait For Your Childs Card
Once youve applied either through the hospital or your local Social Security Administration office, its time to wait for your childs card. This takes anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks. The processing time varies by state.
If your child is over a year old, this process might take even longer. Because the Social Security Administration needs to contact your states department of statistics to confirm your child’s birth certificate is valid, this is a longer process.
How Long Does It Take To Get My Baby’s Social Security Card That I Applied For In The Hospital
Each state or jurisdiction has different processing times. See the chart below to find out how long your state takes to process the card application. If you waited the indicated length of time and still have not received your child’s Social Security card, visit your local Social Security office. You also can call us at 1-800-772-1213 , 8:00 am 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday. If you live outside the United States, refer to Service Around the World.Keep your child’s Social Security card in a safe place with other important documents. Do not carry it with you.The chart below shows the time it takes for each state to send the application and paperwork to Social Security. Allow an additional two weeks for Social Security to send the card in the mail.Social Security Card Application at Birth: Average Processing Times by State in Weeks Quarter Ending September 2021
Read Also: Can Newborns Fall Asleep On Their Own
Visit The Social Security Office
While the easiest way to secure your childs Social Security number is through the hospital paperwork above, not all babies are born at the hospital. Many babies are born at home or in another type of facility. Alternatively, some parents dont receive a birth request form from the hospital for some reason or another.
If any of the above applies to you, your Social Security Administration office is where you go to apply for your childs number. At your local Social Security office, youll need the following:
- Form SS-5 This is the Application for Social Security Number. You can fill this out in advance or at the office. Its available on the Social Security Administrations website.
- Medical documents Youll need at least two documents proving the age of your baby, their identity, and citizenship status. This is typically your childs birth certificate and medical records.
- Parent identification Finally, bring proof of your own identity. This is usually your drivers license or passport. You must provide at least two separate documents.
You can apply for your documents in person or by mail. Because youll need to provide official or certified copies of your documents, its usually easier to apply in person. There is no charge for a Social Security card.
What Can You Do As Parents If You Dont Receive Your Childs Ssn In Stipulated Time
For a newborns Social Security Card status check, you need to contact your local Social Security Office by checking on this link. You can also call the national helpline on 1-800-772-1213 to speak to an advisor. Every hospital routinely provides the paperwork necessary to get a Social Security Number issued to a newborn child. If you have completed the form and sent the necessary paperwork, you should get your childs card within 10-15 working days from the date when your application is processed. Do not reapply unless the Social Security Administration needs you to do so. Make sure you check the status of your application before contacting the Social Security Administration before reapplying.
In case the Social Security Administration asks you to refill and gives you instructions to reapply, you can find the form and the guide online here. Applying or reapplying for a Social Security Number does not entail any cost. Please be cautious to not give into scams sent via email or phone that urge you to sign up to get a Social Security Number and Card for a fee.
Recommended Reading: What To Dress Newborn In For Sleep
New Infants And Social Security Numbers
If you have an infant, its possible that he doesnt have a Social Security number yet. To get him a Social Security number, you need to complete an Social Security application form. When your child is born, the hospital can provide you with a birth registration form that you can complete while the mother is a patient. If you werent able to get a birth registration form at the hospital, you can obtain Form SS-5, Application for Social Security Number, from the Social Security website or a local Social Security office.
According to Nolo, it normally takes from six to 12 weeks to receive your childs Social Security card. The process may take a little longer if the child is more than one year old. If you dont have the card by April 15, Forbes contributor Kelly Phillips recommends that you file for a six month tax extension. If you dont get a Social Security number by the extension due date, youll need to file a tax return if you want to avoid late fees and penalties. Although you wont be able to claim your child as a dependent without the Social Security number, you can amend the return and claim the deduction once that information finally arrives.
Ss Number For Three Children Over The Age Of 12
I was living and working overseas and recently moved back to the US. I applied for a SS card for my three children who were born outside of the US but all of whom are US citizens. I applied at the locals SS office and provided passport and Consular Report of Birth Abroad and my children were present as well. We never received the card and when we checked with SS they said we have to provide either school records or hospital records from abroad. This is very difficult to do and I was wondering why this is needed and if it is even correct. I provided documentation proving age, identity and citizenship, shouldn’t this be enough? I try calling but no one answers or returns my call and since we have moved it is very difficult to get to SS office where we applied and the local SS office where we are now living said they can’t help and we have to go to the office where we applied. Sorry for the long post…any suggestions?
Please see this post :
Also Check: What Do You Give A Newborn For Constipation
How Do I Get My Child A Social Security Number
It is a good idea to get the number when your child is born. You can apply for a Social Security number for your baby when you apply for your babys birth certificate. The state agency that issues birth certificates will share your childs information with us. they will mail the Social Security card to you.
Or, you can wait and apply at any Social Security office. If you wait, you must provide evidence of your childs age, identity and U.S. citizenship status, as well as proof of your identity. they must verify your childs birth record, which can add up to 12 weeks to the time it takes to issue a card. To verify a birth record, Social Security will contact the office that issued it.
Anyone age 12 or older requesting an original Social Security number card must appear for an interview at a Social Security office, even if a parent or guardian will sign the application on the childs behalf.
Adoption: they can assign your adopted child a number before the adoption is complete, but you may want to wait. Then, you can apply for the number using your childs new name. If you want to claim your child for tax purposes while the adoption is still pending, contact the Internal Revenue Service for Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions. For more information, see Social Security Numbers For Children .
Can I Get A Replacement If Ive Lost My Sin
- To replace your lost SIN, youll need to visit your local Service Canada branch. If you visit with all the appropriate documents, Service Canada will give you your SIN number on the spot.
- If you live more than 100 km from a Services Canada branch or cannot visit a Service Canada branch because of a special situation, you can make a SIN request by mail. But, before mailing your SIN request, you must first get permission from Service Canada by calling 1-800-206-7218 .
- Its important to note that you will only be issued a brand new SIN if you were the victim of identity theft or fraud. Check out Service Canadas Protecting your Social Insurance Number web page for details.
Read Also: What To Do With A Newborn All Day
Replace Your Child’s Lost Social Security Card
Tip
If you need to provide your child’s Social Security number on your tax return or a form, you’ll find the number listed on the front of the card. However, if you can’t find the card, try looking in your other records, such as previous tax returns.
If you’ve lost your child’s card, you can get a replacement card. The agency will issue three replacement cards per year, and up to 10 replacements during your a person’s lifetime for free. The document requirements are the same to replace the card as to obtain the original. However, if you’ve already established your child’s legal U.S. citizenship with the agency, you will not have to present a birth certificate or passport.
Tip
Many companies offer original and replacement Social Security cards, for a fee. Don’t pay money for this service. The Social Security Administration issues cards for free and offers assistance at 1-800-772-1213.
Your Childs Social Security Number
Social Security numbers are free and required when filing a tax return.
- Check the box at the bottom of the Birth Certificate Information Worksheet to receive a Social Security number for your newborn from the Social Security Administration. It will take about four to six weeks to receive your babys Social Security number.
- If you need more information about obtaining a Social Security number for your child, call the Social Security office at 800 772 1213.
You May Like: How Much Should You Feed Your Newborn