How To Get Your Newborn’s Social Security Number And Card
Welcoming a newborn is often an exciting and happy occasion. There are plenty of things to get ready, and parents might feel that there is not enough time. However, once the child is born, parents do need to take care of a few legal matters as soon as possible . On the one hand, its essential that parents obtain their childs birth certificate. Registering a birth and getting your babys birth certificate is a fairly easy process.
You will need your newborns birth certificate to apply for your childs Social Security number and card. Keep in mind that a persons security number must be protected as it is directly linked to their lifetime earnings, taxes, and more.
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.
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:
Read Also: How To Get My Newborn’s Social Security Card
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.
Getting A Social Security Number For A New Baby
The easiest way to get a Social Security number for your child is at the hospital after they are born when you apply for your childs birth certificate. If you wait to apply for a number at a Social Security office, there may be delays while SSA verifies your childs birth certificate.
Your child will need their own Social Security number so you can:
- Claim your child as a dependent on your income tax return
- Open a bank account in their name
- Get medical coverage for them
- Apply for government services for them
Keep your Social Security card in a safe place to protect yourself from identity theft.
Recommended Reading: How Long Does It Take To Adopt A Newborn
Procedure For Replacement Of Social Security Card For A Child
You could by no fault of yours lose or misplace the Social Security Card of your child. There is no reason to fret as the process of reapplying for the same is simple and easy. If you have lost the social security card for your child, then follow the below steps to re-apply for one:
1. Gather the following documents for proof
- The document confirming the identity of the child .
- Proof of US citizenship for the child.
- A document detailing the immigration status of the child if the child is not a citizen of the United States.
2. Gather the documents relating to proof of your identity
- Driving license or passport.
- Custody papers if the child is adopted or proof of relationship with the child.
3. Complete the application form SS-5 for a Social Security card.
4. Send the completed form along with the original or certified documents via mail or in-person to the local Social Security Office.
If You’re Not Sure Why You Received A Payment
Contact the authorizing agency directly to find out why they sent the payment. You may be able to find the authorizing agency in the memo line of the check. View this diagram of a sample Treasury check to help you locate the authorizing agency contact information on your own check. Scroll about half way down the page to see the diagram.
If you’re unable to find which agency authorized the payment, . They can help you determine which government agency you need to contact. To find which RFC you need to call, look for its city and state at the top center of the check.
Use the Treasury Check Verification System to verify that the check is legitmate and issued by the government.
Don’t Miss: Why Does My Newborn Cry After Feeding
How To Get A Social Security Card
Why Should I Get My Childs Social Security Number
One of the main reasons to get your childs Social Security number after they are born is so that you can claim your child as a dependent on your income tax return . You also need your childs social security card if you are planning on:
- Opening a bank account for your child
- Buying savings bond for your child
- Getting medical coverage for your child
- Applying for government services for your child
Getting a Social Security number for your child is not obligatory, however, applying for one is an easy enough process and will benefit you and your child.
If your child is adopted, the SSA can assign them a Social Security number. You can apply for the number using your childs new name as well as your name and details as a parent.
Getting the Social Security number and card for your child does not carry a cost, in other words, Social Security services are free.
Whether you choose to complete the birth registration form at the hospital, or head to the SSA office later on, you will certainly need an . USBirthCertificates is a convenient and secure way to get your childs vital records.
Don’t Miss: Must Haves With A Newborn
Get Ssa Benefits While Living Overseas
U.S. citizens can travel to or live in most, but not all, foreign countries and still receive their Social Security benefits. You can find out if you can receive benefits overseas by using the Social Security Administrations payment verification tool. Once you access the tool, pick the country you’re visiting or living in from the drop-down menu options.
Why Does Your Child Need One
Your baby is dependent on you and it is mandatory and important for you to add your child to your income tax returns to avail of eligible benefits. This is one of the reasons your baby needs a Social Security Number. There are several more that make it important for your child to have Social Security Number and Card. Following are some of the reasons why you need to get your newborn a Social Security Number:
- If you wish to open a bank account for your baby.
- If you intend to buy savings bonds for the baby.
- If you need to add your baby to your medical coverage plans or insurance cover.
- If you need to apply for any government services for your baby.
Applying for a Social Security Number is absolutely free and you can get guidance from your nearest local Social Security Office.
Recommended Reading: What To Do When Newborn Constipated
How To Get A Social Security Number For Your Newborn Baby: 4 Steps
Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure.
One of the most important identifying numbers for U.S. citizens and U.S. residents is the Social Security number. This nine-digit number is used by the U.S. government to keep track of years worked, lifetime earnings, federal aid, Social Security death benefits, and so on. This number is legally required to begin work, and its a vital part of the tax and credit process.
Jump ahead to these sections:
When you have a baby, one of the first steps is securing their necessary legal documents. This includes filing for a Social Security number for your child. This is something youll need to add your baby to your health insurance, get tax credits, and open a bank account for them.
In other words, its how you ensure the country recognizes your baby. Like most things involving government paperwork, this isnt always an easy process. Keep reading to discover the steps needed to get a Social Security number for your newborn baby.
Report The Death Of A Social Security Or Medicare Beneficiary
You must report the death of a family member receiving Social Security or Medicare benefits. The Social Security Administration processes death reports for both. Find out how you can report a death and how to cancel benefit payments. In addition to canceling SSA and Medicare benefits, find out what other benefits and accounts you should cancel.
Also Check: How Much Milk Does My Newborn Need
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.
Baby’s Social Security Card
- Getting a Social Security number for your newborn is voluntary and there are advantages. Your baby’s Social Security card will allow you to:
- open a bank account for your child
- get medical coverage for your child
- apply for government services for your child
- buy savings bonds for your child.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Reflux In Newborns
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.
What Is The Purpose Of The Social Security Number
The Social Security number is a nine-digit number which the U.S. government issues to all U.S. citizens . Eligible U.S. residents are able to apply for one as well. This number allows the government to keep track of your lifetime earnings as well as the number of years worked.
U.S. citizens need a SSN to be able to work. An employer will always ask for the social security number, and they will report your income to the Internal Revenue Service, IRS.
Instances when a person is asked to provide their Social Security card or number also include:
- Opening an account with any U.S. financial institution
- Applying for a federal loan
- Applying for certain types of public assistance
- Enrolling in Medicare
- Filing your tax return
- Getting a drivers license
Without a Social Security number, financial institutions will not be able to run a credit check, and therefore, making it more difficult to get a credit card or a loan.
Recommended Reading: How To Relieve Constipation In Newborns