Apply for Social Security Number

A social security number – is a way for the federal government to identify your child. Your child will need a social security number so that you can claim tax benefits related to the child – for example, dependent exemption and a tax credit for children – on your income tax (if the parent has a social security number and submits a tax return to the IRS). You will also need a number to add the child to the health insurance plan, create a savings plan for the college or bank account for your child, or apply for government benefits that can help your baby.

SSN Template

How to get a social security number for your child?

Most parents can request a social security number for the child in the hospital at the time of filling out the so-called birth form for the hospital staff, while the mother and the child are still in the hospital and are patients. The official regulations for the issue and delivery of the social security number is 4-6 weeks, this information is indicated in the request for the social security number. The State Department itself regulates the process of issuing the number and does not provide an opportunity to speed up the process of obtaining the number upon request for its issuance in the hospital.

If the child was not born in the hospital, but at home, the maternity center or for some other reason you were not provided with a birth registration form, you can visit the local Social Security office (SSA) and request the number in person.

AIST USA provides an opportunity to speed up the process of obtaining a social security number, as its availability speeds up the process of issuing a US tourist passport for a newborn. Since 2018, all applications for a US passport for a child without a specified social security number (SSN) are considered indefinitely.

For the expedited request for the issue of the Social Security Number (SSN), the following documents are required:

  • Filled out Form SS-5 (Application to Social Security Number)
  • Two documents confirming the age, personality and status of your child’s citizenship. One document must be a certificate of the birth of your child. Another document may be a birth record from your child’s hospital or another medical record.
  • Confirmation of the identity of the parents.

The official regulations for the issue and delivery of the social security number when directly requested by the social security office are 1-2 weeks.