Question: We are expecting our first child and wanted to know when do we need to apply for their Social Security number?
Answer: Well, first, congratulations and I’m impressed that you are thinking about these details.
To answer your question, there’s no official time limit on applying for a Social Security number for your newborn. However, I suggest you do it right away because you’ll need to included the child’s Social Security number on your tax return to claim that child as a dependent.
There are two ways to apply for a Social Security number for your newborn:
- Apply at the hospital when the baby is born. When completing the birth certificate process, you should be able to have them add instructions for your state’s office of vital statistics to pass along the information to the Social Security Administration. Your baby’s card will be mailed to you within a few weeks.
- Apply directly at a local Social Security Administration office after the baby is born. You’ll need to fill out an application (Form SS-5) plus provide additional identification, which typically includes:
- parents’ Social Security numbers
- evidence of your child’s age (the birth certificate), identity (a hospital record other than the birth certificate), and citizenship (the birth certificate)
- evidence of your identity (a driver’s license or passport)
While applying directly for the number might be more time consuming than doing it at the hospital, it keeps you in the loop on when you can expect the number as well as the ability to follow up on the application.
Once you have the card and number, guard it carefully. The number of child identity theft cases has increased over the last few years, so treat your child’s identifying information with care.
If you still have questions, check out the Social Security Administration website or call them toll free at (800) 772-1213.
Related articles
- Social Security Q&A (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
- Toms River residents report Social Security phone scam (nj.com)
