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.
Obtaining The Social Security Card
In principle , the card is automatically created when the main insured person is affiliated with the CCSS, and then sent by post to the persons official address of residence.
The card is delivered within 3 weeks:
- to the active main insured person
- after the employer has filed a new-employee declaration with the CCSS
- after a self-employed worker, or an individual who has taken out voluntary insurance, has filed their own declaration with the CCSS
Babies born in Luxembourg are automatically co-insured and the cards are sent by the competent health insurance fund.
For persons who are co-insured through their relationship with a cross-border worker, certain conditions must be satisfied.
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How To Get A Social Security Number
There are two ways that you can get a social security number and card:
1. If you are age 18 or older, you can apply for a social security number in your home country when you apply for an immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State. The U.S. government will use the same information that you give to apply for an immigrant visa to apply for an SSN.
Your social security card will arrive at your mailing address about three weeks after you arrive in the U.S. If you apply for the Social Security number outside of the U.S., you do not have to visit an American Social Security office after entry into the United States.
2. If you are not an immigrant or did not apply for a Social Security number when you applied for an immigrant visa, you must bring your petition and approval notices showing your legal immigration status and approved authorization to work in the United States. Then you should apply for a Social Security number and card by visiting a Social Security office in the U.S.
The Social Security Administration recommends that you wait ten days after arriving in the country to “make it easier for us to verify your Department of Homeland Security documents online, which will speed processing of your Social Security number application.” Applying for a Social Security number is free.
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New Social Security Number Or Card For Newborn Baby
In general, you can obtain a Social Security card for a newborn with the assistance of the hospital where the child is born.
The state agency that issues birth certificates will share your childs information with us, and the SSA will mail the Social Security card to you.
If for some reason you can not work with a hospital for this, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Gather documents proving your:
- Childs identity and
- US citizenship if you have not established the childs US citizenship with the SSA
- Immigration status if the child is not a US citizen.
Step 2: Gather documents proving your:
Step 3: Complete an Application for a Social Security Card .
Step 4: Take or mail your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office.
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. The SSA will not accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Any documents you mail to us will be returned to you along with a receipt.
The SSA will mail your card as soon as they have verified all required documents. You should receive the card within 10 business days from the date on the receipt. The replacement card will have the same number as the previous card.
The SSA does not charge for a card.
There are third party services which may offer to help with Social Security card. We feel these services are similar to tax filing services. You can do it yourself for free or pay a service for assistance. Your choice.
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.
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Why Your Child Should Have A Social Security Number
Technically, you dont have to get your newborn a Social Security number. But theyll need one if you want to:
- Claim your child as a dependent on your income tax return.
- Open a bank account in their name.
- Buy savings bonds for them.
- Get medical coverage for the child.
- Apply for any kind of government services for your child.
Verifying Social Security Numbers
ISSUE DATE: 12/2014
MFIP, DWP:A parent may request a Social Security number for a newborn child on the birth certificate application. The state vital statistics office sends the birth registration data to the Social Security Administration . Social Security Administration issues an SSN and sends a Social Security card to the parent for the child.Accept form SSA-2853-OP4 as verification that the unit has applied for an SSN. Keep the form, or a copy of it, in the case file.Remind the parent that they must report the SSN to the county agency when the number is received.SNAP:A parent may request a Social Security number for a newborn child on the birth certificate application. The state vital statistics office sends the birth registration data to the Social Security Administration . Social Security Administration issues an SSN and sends a Social Security card to the parent for the child.Accept form SSA-2853-OP4 as verification that the unit has applied for an SSN. Keep the form, or a copy of it, in the case file.If the unit cannot provide or apply for an SSN for the newborn immediately following the birth, allow the unit to provide the SSN or proof of application for an SSN for the newborn at its next recertification or within 6 months following the month of the baby’s birth, whichever is later. Also see .Remind the parent that they must report the SSN to the county agency when the number is received.MSA, GA, GRH:
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Do Babies Get Social Security Number Right Away
The easiest way to get a Social Security number for your newborn is to apply when you provide information for your babys birth certificate in the hospital. If you wait to apply for a number at a Social Security office, there may be delays while we verify your childs birth certificate.
Did not receive SSN after 4 weeks?
You should receive your Social Security card within 3 to 4 weeks after you arrive in the United States. If you do not receive the card by mail, contact the Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
How To Get A Newborn Social Security Number
A newborn Social Security Number is one of the most important documents you can obtain for your new baby. With an SSN, you can enroll your infant in government programs and a medical coverage network. You can also open a savings account for him or her. For these reasons, it is important that you understand how to get a Social Security Number for a newborn.
If you give birth in a hospital, you may be prompted to obtain a Social Security card for your baby by hospital staff. Remember that this is the same as applying for an SSN for your child. This is because the SSN will be printed on your childs Social Security card. This is true regardless of whether you apply for a Social Security card for your newborn baby before you leave the hospital or at a later date in a hospital.
How to Get a Social Security Card for a Baby at the Hospital
You can apply for a Social Security Number for a newborn after you give birth at a hospital. Usually, this option is presented to you when you provide workers with information for your childs birth certificate. If you choose this option, you need to provide SSNs for you and the childs other parent. This is one of the most convenient ways to apply for a Social Security card for a newborn baby.
Can I apply for my baby Social Security card online?
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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.
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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.
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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 a.m. 7:00 p.m., 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 us to send the card in the mail.Social Security Card Application at Birth: Average Processing Times by State in Weeks Quarter Ending June 2022
How To Get Your Child A Social Security Number
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.
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Were There To Help If Disability Strikes
As a working parent, your earnings can become a source of Social Security protection for your family. If you retire or become disabled and unable to work, your earnings would be partially replaced by your monthly Social Security benefit payments.
A child who is disabled may depend on your help for a lifetime. When you start receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, your family members also may be eligible for payments. If you are a parent, caregiver, or representative of a child younger than age 18 who has a disability, your child may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income payments. More information is provided in the booklet.
For children 18 years or older who have been disabled before the age of 22 and continue to be disabled, Social Security benefits may be paid to them if you retire, become disabled, or die. Social Security benefits for disabled children may continue as long as they are unable to work because of their disability.
Additionally, you can find information on the specific benefits and qualifications in the publication.
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How Long Does It Take To Get A Social Security Number For Your Child
Generally, it takes between four to five weeks to receive the Social Security number and card if you had submitted the application at the hospital. However, this might vary depending on the state where you live. If your childs Social Security card has not arrived within six weeks you can head to your nearest Social Security office. You will need to take proof of your childs citizenship, age and identity as well as documents to identify yourself.
A childs Social Security number cannot be give out over the phone, therefore it is necessary for you to go in person, in the case that it has not arrived.
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How Long Does It Take To Get A Babys Ssn
Each state or jurisdiction has its own processing times for an application. The following link details the processing times for applications in different states. If you have not received the card within the stipulated time then you can contact your local Social Security Office or call on 1-800-772-1213 between 8 am to 5.30 pm. Every application for a Social Security Number takes about 10-15 business days to complete. It is advisable to check the waiting times on the link given before you follow up on your application.
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.
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.
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