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:
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.
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
Social Security: How To Get Your New Babys Social Security Number
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
Also Check: How Much Sleep Is Too Much For A Newborn
Were There To Provide Comfort During Difficult Times
The loss of a parent or guardian can be both emotionally and financially difficult. Social Security helps by providing benefits to help stabilize the familys financial future. Widows, widowers, and their dependent children may be eligible for .
In fact, 98 of every 100 children could get benefits if a working parent dies. And Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program.
Providing protection for parents too
Even if you have never worked in a job covered by Social Security, as a parent, there are two ways that you may still qualify for benefits.
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.
Read Also: How Long Do Newborns Sleep A Day
Need A Loan Get One In 3 Simple Steps
If you are considering applying for a personal loan, just follow these 3 simple steps.
Apply
Apply online for the loan amount you need. Submit the required documentation and provide your best possible application. Stronger applications get better loan offers.
Accept
If your application meets the eligibility criteria, the lender will contact you with regard to your application. Provide any additional information if required. Soon youll have your loan offer. Some lenders send a promissory note with your loan offer. Sign and return that note if you wish to accept the loan offer.
Repay
The loan then gets disbursed into your U.S. bank account within a reasonable number of days . Now you need to set up your repayment method. You can choose an autopay method online to help you pay on time every month.
About Stilt
Stilt provides loans to international students and working professionals in the U.S. at rates lower than any other lender. Stilt is committed to helping immigrants build a better financial future.
We take a holistic underwriting approach to determine your interest rates and make sure you get the lowest rate possible.
Learn what others are saying about us on , Yelp, and or visit us at . If you have any questions, send us an email at
Tips For Applying For An Ssn For A Newborn
Are you having a baby soon and youre thinking about getting a social security card? Here are some tips you should keep in mind:
- You will have to fill a document that requests the birth certificate of the newborn baby at the hospital. In this form, you will have the option to apply for an SSN for the baby too. If you write Yes, it is necessary to offer the SSNs of both parents. You can also still apply for the childs SSN if one parent has the SSN while the other doesnt. When its ready, the babys SSN will be sent by mail.
- It is voluntary to apply for an SSN for a newborn baby.
- It is better to apply for the SSN when the baby is born because the hospital will handle everything.
- Go to to find out the closest Social Security office.
- Complete Form SS-5 if you only file for the SSN later. Also, provide proof of your identity, proof of the babys identity, age and citizenship, and a copy of the birth record.
- Applying for the SSN is completely free.
Also Check: How To Keep Newborn From Rolling On Side
What Is Enumeration At Birth And How Does It Work
The Enumeration at Birth program offers new parents at a hospital, birthing center, or using a licensed midwife the option to request a Social Security number during the birth registration process. The evidence required to process an SSN application for a newborn is the same evidence gathered by birthing facility employees and verified with the respective bureaus of vital statistics during the birth registration process. Through EAB, the bureaus of vital statistics electronically send birth registration information to Social Security, and we assign a number and issue a card.
EAB eliminates the need for the parent to gather the necessary proofs, complete an SS-5 application, and visit or mail original documents to a Social Security field office for processing. The EAB process allows us to assign the child an SSN, issue a card, and automatically update our records with proof of birth.
Currently, the national average processing time for EAB cases is two weeks. Parents may expect to wait up to an additional two weeks for mail time to receive the SSN card.
Tips For Applying For The Ssn For The Newborn
- Applying for the SSN is voluntary for newborn babies.
- File for the SSN at the time of birth of the baby. The hospital will take care of everything related to filing for the birth certificate and SSN.
- At the hospital you will be required to fill a document requesting the newborn babys birth certificate.
- In the form, there will be an option for applying for a Social Security number for the baby.
- If you write yes, you must provide both parents Social Security numbers if you can.
- If you do not have these or one of the parents has the SSN and the other does not, you can still apply for a number for your child.
- You will get the Social Security Number for your newborn baby in mail.
You May Like: What To Do When Newborn Constipated
Also Check: Why Is My Newborn Breathing Fast
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.
Read Also: How To Fly With Newborn
Which Documents Do I Need To Have To Get A New Social Security Card
Whichever way you do it youâll need documents to prove your citizenship, age and identity.
Proof of US citizenship: This can be your birth certificate or a US passport. This documentation is only required if you havenât already established citizenship with the Social Security Administration.
Proof of age:A birth certificate is best, but if you donât have one, the Social Security Administration may accept a religious record made before you turned 5 years old, a US hospital record of your birth or a US passport.
Form of identification: This can include your US driverâs license, US passport or state-issued non-driver ID card.
If you donât have any of these documents, the Social Security Administration may accept one of the following:
- Employee identification card
Don’t Miss: How To Find A Daycare For Newborn
How To Apply For A Social Security Number
In order to get a social security card for a newbornbaby, you may want to start by completing a birth registration form. It is the easiest way to start the application. This is done by checking a box on the birth registration form that requests an SSN for the baby. There is also one more requirement: both you and the other parent of the child will have to provide your Social Security Numbers.
If you or your spouse gave birth to the little one in a hospital, you are lucky. Most hospitals help distribute the birth registration form and keep the SSN process going smoothly. While the mother is still a patient in the hospital, she will get to complete the birth registration over there.
However, there is also the possibility of you delivering the baby somewhere else for various reasons. In this case, the birth registration process is a bit different. You will have to go to the local Social Security Administration after the baby is born and ask for a number there. Also, you will have to do a few things to ensure the process is successful:
Applying For A Replacement Social Security Card
American Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents can apply for replacement Social Security cards through Embassy Tokyo. Please contact the Federal Benefits Unit, Embassy Tokyo. You will need to bring your current valid passport or permanent resident card, along with the SS-5 application form .
Please note: Replacement Social Security cards are issued overseas to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents only. If you are not a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, and you are currently residing in Japan, you will not be entitled to a replacement card even if you misplace it.
Don’t Miss: What Is Necrotizing Enterocolitis In Newborns
Learn How To Apply For Your Childs Social Security Number
A Social Security number is the federal governments 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.
Heres how to get a Social Security number for your baby.
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: Do Newborns Cry A Lot
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.
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.
Read Also: What To Do If My Newborn Has Gas