How To Get A Social Security Number For a Child

There are many reasons you will need to obtain a social security card for your child. For example, the number of children you have can affect the tax breaks and benefits you receive. On every application, you will need to include their social security number. Make sure you aren’t waiting until the last minute before you look into it in greater detail. Here is how you get your child a new social security card.

The Start

If your child is still a baby, then there are a couple of things you will need to do before you apply. Register the birth if you haven’t already, on the form there is a section you will fill out to request a social security number on behalf of your child. These forms are available at the hospital and are often given to you.

SS-5 Form

If you don’t manage to fill out the form at birth, you will have to fill out the SS-5 form at your convenience. Traditionally, this can be obtained from your local social security office. This means a trip into town and having to wait in line. Not only is this inconvenient, but it is time-consuming. If this is the approach you take, then make sure you use black or blue ink. 

Anything else can set your application back. The best way to obtain the form is to fill it out online.

Applying Online

It is recommended that you use a third party when filling out the form.  This means your child’s application will be returned in the timeliest manner possible. A third party makes it is more likely that your form will be accurate.

If you are wondering how to get a new social card for your child, but applying is time sensitive, then using a paid service is advisable.

Documents

Any application for a social security card needs to be completed and sent with at least two relevant documents. These are to make sure you can prove the details of your child are correct. You might need a medical record here to support their birth certificate.

On top of this, you will need to send documents that prove the identity of both parents as well. Again, this is where a third party comes in handy. They will be able to make sure you do not miss anything. 

How Long Does It Take?

Once you have applied for your child’s social security card, it can take anywhere from two weeks to three months for it to be returned. If your child is over one year of age, then it could take longer as there might be extra checks involved.

A social security number for a child is an important thing for any parent to get. Once you have it, you can set up a college saving fund in their name and even open a bank account once they are old enough. Find the most convenient way of getting the number, so you don’t have to wait to open their accounts.