How to Get a Newborn Social Security Number

A newborn Social Security Number (SSN) is one of the most important documents you can obtain for your new baby. With an SSN, you can enroll your infant in government programs and a medical coverage network. You can also open a savings account for him or her. For these reasons, it is important that you understand how to get a Social Security Number for a newborn.

If you give birth in a hospital, you may be prompted to obtain a Social Security card for your baby by hospital staff. Remember that this is the same as applying for an SSN for your child. This is because the SSN will be printed on your child’s Social Security (SS) card. This is true regardless of whether you apply for a Social Security card for your newborn baby before you leave the hospital or at a later date in a hospital.

How to Get a Social Security Card for a Baby at the Hospital

You can apply for a Social Security Number for a newborn after you give birth at a hospital. Usually, this option is presented to you when you provide workers with information for your child’s birth certificate. If you choose this option, you need to provide SSNs for you and the child’s other parent. This is one of the most convenient ways to apply for a Social Security card for a newborn baby.

Can I apply for my baby Social Security card online?

You cannot apply for a Social Security card for a baby online. It is most common for you to submit your application for this ID when you give birth at a hospital. However, you can still apply for a Social Security Number for a newborn if you did not apply at a medical facility. In this instance, you need to apply at a Social Security Office near you. When you apply at these facilities, you are required to bring proof of your child’s:

  • Identity.
  • Citizenship.
  • Age.

The process of obtaining a Social Security Number for a newborn is simple to complete at an SS office. If you are interested in expediting this process, you can download a copy of the Social Security application online. Then, you can fill out the form before you arrive at the office.

How long does it take to get a Social Security card for a newborn?

After you apply for a Social Security card for a baby, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will process your application. Once it is approved, your child’s card will be mailed to you. Different states have different processing times. However, the average time it takes for getting a Social Security card for a baby is two weeks. Keep in mind that some states can take up to a month to process your request.

This site is not affiliated with the SSA or any other government services.