How To Get Ssn For An Adopted Child
If the child being adopted is already a citizen of the United States, then there is a chance they already have a Social Security Number and Card. However, if you are adopting a child domestically and if he/she does not have one, you would need to obtain an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number to claim the related benefits while the process of adoption is pending. You would need to complete an IRS Form W-7A for adoptions that are pending in the United States. The ATIN is valid for two years and can be extended if the adoption is not through yet. Once the adoption is through, you can get a Social Security Number for your child by following the above procedure. You would need to complete the form and submit it to your local Social Security Administrative Office.
If you are adopting a child from a different country, then you will have to wait until the adoption is final and the child has entered into the United States to obtain a Social Security Number. You can then complete the form and submit it with the required documents to your local Social Security Administrative office. You can only make an application once all the formalities have been completed and the child has entered the United States of America.
Recommended Reading: How To Make A Newborn Baby Stop Crying
Why Get A Social Security Number For Your Child
In light of recent data concerns, many people might wonder why you need a Social Security number for your child in the first place. Its not required legally, yet many parents apply for this number before leaving the hospital. As we mentioned above, this is an important legal number to have on hand.
The most common reason to apply for this number for your child is for tax purposes. If you want to claim your child on your federal income tax, youll need to provide their Social Security number. Theyre treated the same as any other dependent.
However, this isnt the only reason to secure this number. Other common reasons include:
- Health insurance for your child
- Bank or savings account for your child
- Savings bonds for your child
- Government benefits or services
- Beneficiary purposes if you start end-of-life planning
As you can see, there are a lot of reasons to start this process for your child. Applying for a Social Security number for a newborn or even an adopted child is easier than you think. With just a few short steps, theres no reason not to get a number for your child.
Create a free Cake end-of-life planning profile and instantly share your health, legal, funeral, and legacy decisions with a loved one.
» MORE:
If You Are Adopting A Child
If the child you are adopting is a United States citizen, your child may have a Social Security number already. But if you are adopting domestically and your child does not have one, you can obtain an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number to claim child-related tax breaks while your child’s adoption is pending. To apply for one, complete IRS Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions. The ATIN will be valid for only two years, at which point you can extend it if your child’s adoption is still not final. Once the adoption is final, you must stop using the ATIN and get a Social Security number for your child following the process described above.
If you are adopting a child from another country, you will have to wait until the adoption is final and your child has entered the United States before you can obtain a Social Security number for your child. Once that happens, you can use the process described above.
Read Also: How To Change Newborn Name
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 childâs birth certificate is valid, this is a longer process.
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.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Insurance For Newborn
Wait For Your Childs Card In The Mail
This is the easiest step. Once youâve filled out all the paperwork and submitted the application, all thatâs left to do is wait. Your SSN application has to be mailed in and processed, and then your card will be mailed to you.
According to the Social Security Administration, hereâs how long to get a social security card processedâon averageâdepending on which state you live in:
This is just the processing time.
After the card is processed, you should allow up to a week or two for shipping.
So, if you apply for your childâs social security card immediately at birth, you could have the card in as little as two weeks, but you may have to wait well over a month to receive it.
That said, not all parents apply right at birth.
Why Does A Newborn Need A Social Security Card
You’ll need a Social Security card for your child before you can claim your new baby as a dependent on your income taxes . Youll generally also need your babys SSN to:
- add your new baby to your health insurance plan
- buy savings bonds for your child
- set up a college savings plan or open a bank account for your child, or
- apply for government benefits for your child .
In addition, if you retire, become disabled or die, your child might be eligible for Social Security benefits based on your work record. But a child must have their own Social Security number to claim those benefits.
To ensure that your newborn is able to take advantage of these benefits, you should apply for a Social Security card as soon as possible after your child’s birth.
Recommended Reading: What To Do When Newborn Is Constipated
How Long Does It Take To Get My Babys 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 childâs 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 childâs 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
How Do I Apply For A Social Security Card
Getting a Social Security card is actually a very simple process, and often, its free. There is no charge to replace your Social Security card with a new one, as long as you have not applied at least 3 times this year or 10 times in your life. You can actually do this online if you meet the following criteria:
- You are a legal citizen of the United States and are at least 18 years of age.
- You have a mailing address in the United States.
- You are not requesting a card with a new name, such as in the case of a legal name change.
- You have a government-issued ID card or drivers license from any of the states listed on the Social Security website.
If you do not meet all of the above criteria, then youll have to apply in-person and bring the required documents. The documents required depend on your citizenship and the card type youre requesting.
Don’t Miss: How Many Ounces To Give A Newborn
What If I Havent Received My Childs Social Security Card
Figure out your states approximate processing time for SSN applications for newborns, since it varies based on where you live. If you still havent received your babys card in the mail after the indicated length of time , you have two options:
- Visit your local SSA Office.
Depending on your application status, someone at your local SSA office or an official on the hotline could ask you to refile your application you can do so at ssa.gov. Keep in mind that you cant apply via phone or mail, so if youre asked to do this, report this immediately and consider it fraud.
Also, applying for a SSN and a Social Security card is free, so dont be tricked by scammers who may be trying to charge you a fee for your application.
Social Insurance Number Newborn Registration
Parents can use the Newborn Registration Service to complete their childs Birth Registration and apply for their childs Social Insurance Number . With this integrated application, parents no longer have to deal with different levels of government and repeat the same information in separate applications.
When applying through the Newborn Registration Service, you should receive your childs SIN in the mail within 10 business days from the date your childs application was processed by the province. If more than 15 business days have passed and you would like to find out the status of your application, contact the SIN program.
You must be the parent of the child and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to use this service. If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may still be eligible but you will need to visit a Service Canada Office to apply for your childs SIN.
This service is available in all Canadian provinces, but is not currently available in the territories. For parents living in the territories, consult Section 3: What you need before you apply for your childs SIN.
Notes:
Read Also: When Does My Newborn Get Shots
Recommended Reading: Is It Ok To Let A Newborn Cry
How Much Money Does A Newborn Cost Per Month
The average weekly childcare cost for one infant is $565 for a nanny, $215 for a daycare or childcare center. These costs vary among states, and each familys arrangement with their provider, but a budget should be in place if you need care for your child while you work. Estimated monthly amount: $2,260.
Proof Of Us Citizenship
You will need to prove your citizenship status or permanent resident status to the Social Security Administration when applying for benefits. If you were born in the United States and provided a U.S. birth certificate to prove your age, then you should be good to go. However, if you were not born in the United States, you will need to provide other documentation.
There are a few different documents that can be used to provide your citizenship status. A U.S. passport will suffice, as will a certificate of naturalization. A permanent resident card can also be used to prove your immigration status to the Social Security Administration. Remember that you will need to provide original documents, so you might want to visit your local Social Security Administration when applying for benefits so that you dont have to send these documents in the mail.
Also Check: How To Have A Newborn Sleep Through The Night
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.
Documents To Submit To The Ssa
When applying for a replacement social security card for my child, there are specific documents you will need to provide. These documents must have your childs name, date of birth, and other identifying information. You must submit the original document or certified copy of it. Do not use photocopies or notarized copies, as the Social Security Administration cannot accept them. Other acceptable documents include your childs birth certificate or other official identification document that contains your childs name and current date of birth. You should also include a recent photograph.
The process is easier if you already have your childs social security number. However, if you have lost the card, it may not be necessary. The SSA will process a new card within ten days, but if you lost the original birth certificate, it may take longer. The birth certificate youll need to provide must be from the state in which your child was born.
Don’t Miss: When To Give Newborn First Bath
How To Apply For Your Childs Social Security Card Yourself
What happens if your child was born outside of a hospital, or you didn’t use the hospital’s EAB service to apply for a Social Security number? In either case, you can get your newborn or older child a Social Security card by applying to the SSA directly.
The application is free. So anyone asking for a filing fee is almost certainly a scammer or identity thief.
Before you can file an application for a Social Security card for your child, you’ll need to gather the following documents:
What Can New Parents Do If They Have Not Yet Received The Social Security Number For Their Newborn Child Should We Reapply
Hospitals routinely provide the paperwork necessary to get a Social Security number issued to a newborn. Do not reapply unless you have first determined that the Social Security Administration needs you to do so.
To check on the status of the issuance of the babys Social Security number, you should contact your local Social Security office by searching on or by calling the national hotline at 1-800-772-1213.
If the Social Security Administration requires you to refile and instructs you to do so, the form and instructions are available online at www.socialsecurity.gov. DO NOT give in to scams that solicit in the mail, online, or by phone to get a newborns Social Security number issued for a fee. You should never pay money to get a newborns Social Security number, and these solicitations are frauds.
Were collecting feedback on FAQs. Please complete this quick survey to help with our continual improvements.
You May Like: How Many Ounces For Newborn
Fill Out The Application
The form is called Form SS-5. Fill it out, print it, and put all documentation with it. Keep in mind that you will need to provide all documents along with the application. Photocopies of these documents will not be accepted only the originals. If youre worried about keeping copies, keep in mind that all documents will be mailed back to you along with your new Social Security card.
Where Can I Get A Social Security Card
If you have never been issued a Social Security card, you may apply for one at no cost at a local Social Security office. You will need to:
- Bring a completed Form SS-5 and,
- Provide at least two documents to confirm your age, identity and citizenship or legal presence.
Acceptable documents include but are not limited to an original birth certificate, valid U.S. drivers license, state-issued identification card or U.S. passport. If a U.S. birth certificate exists you MUST submit it. See Learn What Documents You Need to find acceptable documents. Only originals or copies certified by the agency that issued the document will be accepted. Individuals who are not U.S. citizens must provide a current U.S. immigration document and foreign passport with biographical information or photograph.
Related Documents & Topics
If you have lost your Social Security card and need to get a replacement, you may be able to request a replacement online:
You can use a my Social Security account to request a replacement Social Security card online if you:
- Are a U.S. citizen age 18 years or older with a U.S. mailing address
- Are not requesting a name change or any other change to your card and
- Have a drivers license or a state-issued identification card from Michigan or one of the other states listed.
Dont Miss: What Is The Best Baby Car Seat For Newborns
You May Like: How Much Do I Feed My Newborn