From the Nolo Family Law & Immigration Center
Social Security Numbers and Why Your Baby Needs One
Learn about applying for your babys 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 breaks -- such as the dependent exemption and the child tax credit--on 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. How to Apply For a Social Security Number The easiest way to apply for a Social Security number for your child is to complete a birth registration form, which has a box you can check to request a number for your child. To complete the form, you will need to provide both parents Social Security numbers. For most new parents, its easy to obtain the birth registration form, because hospitals usually distribute them while the mother is still a patient. But if you didnt deliver your baby in the hospital or if for some other reason you were never given a birth registration form to complete, you can visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office and request a number in person. This process requires you to do three things:
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