Your Baby’s Social Security number

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 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. Even if you don’t 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.
• Buy savings bonds.
• Get medical coverage.
• Apply for government services.

You can find more information by reading the publication, Social Security Numbers for Children. Share this information with people who are having a baby. Applying for a Social Security number at the hospital will save them time and let them focus on their new bundle of joy.

For more information, go to:

Teaching Suggestions

• Ask students to make a list of reasons why their child should have a Social Security number?
• What might be the consequences of not getting a Social Security card for your new born?

Discussion Questions

1. Why should you get a Social Security card for your child?  Is it mandatory?
2. What is the best and easiest way to apply for a Social Security card for a newborn?
3. Why must all the documents be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency?