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One of the most important identification numbers for US citizens and residents is the social security number. The U.S. government uses this nine-digit number to calculate years of service, lifetime earnings, government grants,Social Security death benefitetc. This number is a legal requirement for employment and an essential part of the tax and credit process.
Go to these sections:
- Why a Social Security Number for your child?
- Step 1: Fill out a birth registration form
- Step 2: Visit the Social Security Office
- Step 3 - Wait for your child's card
- Step 4: Keep your child's card safe
- And the adopted children?
- How do I replace your child's social security card?
If you have a baby, one of the first steps is to get the necessary legal documents. This includes applying for a social security number for your child. This is something you need to add your baby to health insurance, get tax credits, and open a bank account for them.
In other words, how to make sure the country recognizes your baby. As with most things related to government paperwork, this is not always an easy process. Read on to learn the steps to get a social security number for your newborn baby.
Why a Social Security Number for your child?
With recent data concerns, many people may be wondering why you even need a social security number for your child. It's not a legal requirement, but many parents request this number before leaving the hospital. As mentioned, this is an important legal number to have on hand.
The most common reason for requesting this number for your child is for tax purposes. If you want to claim your child on your federal income tax return, you must provide your social security number. You will be treated the same as any other dependent person.
However, this is not the only reason to secure this number. Other common reasons are:
- Health insurance for your child
- Bank or savings account for your child
- Savings bonds for your child
- Government Benefits or Services
- Favored destinations if youStart planning your end of life
As you can see, there are many reasons for your child to start this process. Applying for a social security number for a newborn or even adopted child is easier than you might think. With just a few steps, there's no reason not to give your child a number.
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Step 1: Fill out a birth registration form
The easiest way to get your child's social security number is at the hospital. After the birth of your child, one of the parents must fill out what is known as a birth notice. How to get your child's birth certificate.
The hospital will usually provide this form while the mother is still a patient, but you can request it at any time during your stay. There is a box on the birth registration form that you must tick to request a social security number for your child.
Step 2: Visit the Social Security Office
While the easiest way to secure your child's social security number is with prior hospital documentation, not all babies are delivered in the hospital. Many babies are born at home or in another facility. Alternatively, some parents do not receive a birth application form from the hospital for one reason or another.
If any of the above apply to you, yours isSocial Security AdministrationRequest your child's number here. From your local social security office you will need the following:
- SS-5-Formular-This is the social security number app. You can fill it out in advance or at the office. It is available onSocial Security Administration website.
- medical records-You will need at least two documents proving the baby's age, identity and citizenship status. These are usually your child's birth certificate and medical records.
- parent identification-Finally, bring proof of your own identity. This is usually your driver's license or passport. You must provide at least two separate documents.
You can request your documents in person or by post. Since you must provide official or certified copies of your documents, it is usually easier to apply in person. There are no fees for a social security card.
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Step 3 - Wait for your child's card
After applying to the hospital or local social security agency, it's time to wait for your child's card. This takes between 2 and 12 weeks. Heprocessing timevaries by state.
If your child is older than one year, this process can take even longer. Because the Social Security Administration must contact your state's statistical office to confirm that your child's birth certificate is valid, this is a lengthy process.
Step 4: Keep your child's card safe
Finally, after you get your child's social security number, keep the card in a safe place. Identity fraud is a real threat so make sure you have a safe place to keep your card safe. You will need this number for tax, benefits, and other government documents.
It is wise to keep this with your other important documents. Preferably keep it in an easy-to-secure vault or other storage system. Learn more about howlong time to save documentsfor more information on protecting legal and government documents.
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And the adopted children?
If you are adopting a child or baby, you may be wondering what steps you need to take to get a social security number. The good news is that if you adopt a US citizen, they likely already have a social security number. Your adoption agency should provide you with more information about your records and legal status.
If your adopted baby does not have a number, you will need an Adoption Tax Identification Number (ATIN). This will allow you to apply for tax benefits while the adoption is pending. This is valid for 2 years and can be extended if the adoption has not yet been completed. Once the adoption is legal, follow the same steps above to apply for a social security number.
Finally, if you adopt a child from another country, the process is similar. Again, you will have to wait for the adoption to complete. From there, you can use the same process with the Social Security Administration office.
How do I replace your child's social security card?
Securing your child's social security card is an important step in the process, but accidents happen. If your child's card is lost or stolen, replacing it is easy and free. It is important to note that noneedthe physical card. While it's useful to have, it's more important to havesaberthe number. It rarely needs to be physically displayed.
Arequest a replacement cardFollow these simple steps for your child:
- Gather your child's documents-First, obtain documents proving your child's identity, citizenship, or immigration status. This can be your passport, birth certificate or other medical documentation.
- Gather your documents-Then compile your own documents. You must prove your identity and your relationship with your child.
- Fill out the registration form-fill outregistration formthe social security administration. This is the same form (SS-5) used when applying for the initial card.
- Submit the form-Complete the form in person at a local social security office or mail it to your local center. All documents must be submitted with the form and must be original or notarized.
From there, your local office will review your documents and application. Your card must be received within ten business days of receipt. The card number is the same as your child's previous card.
Protect your child's social security number
Having a social security number is an important part of legal life in the United States. While most government forms and documents are challenging, the Newborn and Children's Social Security Number process is straightforward. In fact, most parents fill out the paperwork before leaving the hospital.
As you prepare to have a baby, go through the steps above. Knowing what to expect can ensure you get your child's number quickly and easily. If in doubt, contact your local social security office.
Fuentes
- "How do I replace a child's Social Security card?"Social Security Administration.FAQ.SSA.gov.
- "How long will it take to get my baby's social security card that I applied for at the hospital?"Social Security Administration.FAQ.SSA.gov.
- "Social Security Numbers for Children".Social Security Administration.SSA.gov.
FAQs
When a baby is born How do they get a SSN? ›
The easiest way to get a Social Security number (SSN) for your newborn is to apply when you provide information for your baby's 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 child's birth certificate.
How long does it take to issue a Social Security number for a newborn? ›The average processing time is 2 weeks. If you waited the appropriate length of time and still have not received your child's Social Security card, contact your local Social Security office. You also can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Do newborns automatically get a Social Security number? ›When you give information for your child's birth certificate at the hospital, you'll 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.
What if my child does not have a Social Security number? ›If you don't have and are unable to obtain the child's social security number (SSN), you should request an adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).
Can you claim a newborn without a Social Security number? ›Please note that you may not claim your child as a qualifying child for the EIC on either your original or an amended return if your child doesn't have an SSN on or before the due date of your return (including extensions), even if your child later gets an SSN.
How to get a newborn passport without Social Security number? ›On passport application form DS-11, box #5 asks for the social security number. If you have one, you must put it here. If you or the baby you're filling the application out for don't have a social security number, simply put zeros in each of the nine spaces.