Medicaid Paperwork For Newborn Social Security Card Requirements

Applying for a Social Security number for your newborn is a straightforward process, and it's a good idea to do it as soon as possible. The easiest way is to apply using birth registration forms at the hospital. You will be asked if you want to apply for a Social Security number when giving information for your child's birth certificate. At this point, you will need to provide both parents' Social Security numbers, but you can still apply if you don't know one or both of them. If your child is not born in a hospital, you can fill out Social Security forms online and apply in person at your local Social Security office.

Applying for a social security number at the hospital

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 will 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.

The easiest way to get an SSN for your baby is to apply using birth registration forms at the hospital. You'll need to check the "yes" box where the form asks if you want to apply for a Social Security number for your baby. You will eventually need to provide both parents' Social Security numbers, but if you don't know both parents' SSNs, you can still fill out the form.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship. This can include a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to provide a current DHS document, such as a Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Document, or Arrival/Departure Record.

It is a good idea to apply for your child's Social Security number and birth certificate at birth. If you apply at the hospital, the state agency that issues birth certificates will share your child's information with the Social Security Administration, and they will mail the Social Security card to you. If you wait to apply, there may be delays while they verify your child's birth certificate. The average processing time is 2 weeks, but it can vary between 1 and 6 weeks depending on the state.

Applying for a social security number online/in person

If you're in the U.S., you can apply for a Social Security number online and then go to a local Social Security office to provide your documentation. Once your application is approved, you will receive a Social Security card with your number on it by mail within 14 days.

If you are applying for a Social Security number for a newborn, the easiest way to do so is by completing a birth registration form at the hospital. You will 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.

If you did not give birth in a hospital, you can fill out Social Security forms online and then apply in person at your local Social Security office. To do this, you will need to:

• Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Number) and provide both parents' Social Security numbers.
• Provide at least two documents that prove your baby's age, identity, and citizenship status. One document should be your child's birth certificate, and the other can be their hospital birth record or another medical record.
• Provide proof of your own identity and your relationship to the child. Your driver's license and passport are both acceptable.

If you would prefer not to go to the local Social Security office in person, you can send a completed Form SS-5 along with your identification documents by mail. However, you will have to send original or certified copies of all identification documents, which is why most people opt to apply in person.

Documents required for a social security number

Applying for a Social Security Number (SSN) for your newborn is a straightforward process that can be done at the hospital before you leave, or at a later date. Here are the documents you will need:

Applying at the Hospital

If your child is born in a hospital, you can apply for an SSN for your newborn before you leave. You will be asked to provide both parents' Social Security numbers, but if you don't know them, you can still apply for a number for your child. You will need to provide this information when giving details for your child's birth certificate.

Applying After Leaving the Hospital

If you did not apply for an SSN at the hospital, you can apply for your child's SSN at your local Social Security Administration Office. The process requires you to do the following:

• Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Number) and provide both parents' Social Security numbers.
• Provide at least two documents that prove your baby's age, identity, and citizenship status. This can include your child's birth certificate, hospital birth record, or another medical record.
• Provide proof of your identity and your relationship to the child. Acceptable documents include your driver's license or passport.

Additional Information

• You must present original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted.
• All documents must be current and not expired.
• The average processing time for an SSN application is two weeks, but it can vary between one and six weeks depending on the state.
• There is no fee for applying for an SSN.
• If you are a non-U.S. citizen, additional documentation may be required, such as immigration documents or a passport.

For more detailed information on the specific documents required in your situation, it is recommended to refer to the Social Security Administration's website or contact your local Social Security office.

Processing times for social security cards

If you wait to apply for your child's social security number, there may be delays while the SSA verifies your child's birth certificate. In this case, the processing time can be up to 12 weeks, but it may take longer if your child is older than one year.

If you have waited longer than the indicated processing time for your state and still have not received your child's social security card, you should contact your local Social Security office or call the SSA hotline at 1-800-772-1213.

Tracking your social security card

• Application Process: The first step in tracking your Social Security Card is understanding the application process. If your child is born in a hospital, you can apply for their Social Security number before leaving the hospital. This can be done by completing a birth registration form and indicating that you want to apply for a Social Security number for your baby. You will be asked to provide both parents' Social Security numbers, but it is not mandatory to receive the card. The hospital will then share this information with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
• Processing Times: Each state has different processing times for Social Security card applications, ranging from 1 to 6 weeks. On average, it takes about 2 weeks to process the application. However, if you apply outside of the hospital, there may be delays while the SSA verifies your child's birth certificate.
• Contact the SSA: If you have waited for the appropriate processing time for your state and still have not received your child's Social Security card, contact your local SSA office. You can also call the SSA hotline at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. They will be able to provide you with an update on the status of your application and card issuance.
• Online Services: The SSA offers online services that may allow you to track the status of your application. You can create a "my Social Security" account and apply for a replacement card online if needed. This account may also provide updates on the original card application process.
• Mail Delivery: Once your application has been processed and the card has been issued, it will be mailed to you. Allow for additional time for mail delivery, usually around 2 weeks. Ensure that your mailing address is correct and keep an eye out for any mail from the SSA.
• Storage and Safety: When you receive your baby's Social Security card, store it in a safe place at home, along with other important documents such as birth certificates and passports. This will help prevent misplacement or theft.
• Follow-up on Delays: If you have not received your child's Social Security card after a significant delay, follow up with the SSA. There could be issues with verifying your child's birth certificate or other documentation. In such cases, you may need to resubmit certain documents or provide additional information.
• Scams Awareness: Be cautious of potential scams related to Social Security cards. Obtaining a Social Security number and card is free of charge. Do not provide personal information or pay fees to unverified sources or individuals claiming to facilitate the process.

By following these steps and staying informed, you can effectively track your Social Security Card application and receive the card without unnecessary delays.

Frequently asked questions