Social Security Numbers for Babies - Why You Should Get Your Little One A SSN

Did you know that you should apply for your baby's Social Security number when you apply for the birth certificate? Although it is an optional step, life will be a lot easier if you get that all important SSN right now, while your child is still a newborn. There are many benefits to having a Social Security number this early in life.

First of all, if you intend to open a bank account for your little one, he will need a SSN. Since many parents like to teach their children to save early on, it can be valuable to have the number ready. A bank account can also be opened to save up monetary gifts given by friends and relatives.

If you intend to claim your baby as a dependent on your tax forms, you will also need to register him or her for a Social Security number. This is true whether your child was born on US soil as a US citizen or born abroad to American parents. Adopted children are also eligible for a SSN, but they may have to wait until the adoption process is finalized.

Applying for a Social Security number is free, so there really is no reason not to do it. You will need proof of the baby's age, which a birth certificate or passport can provide. If you are applying at the same time as for the birth certificate, the hospital birth papers are an accepted alternative. It is also far easier to apply directly from the hospital when you fill out the birth certificate papers. You just need to report the SSNs for each parent.

If you wait, the process is a little more drawn out. You need to prove citizenship, which is only possible with certain documents, including a passport or US birth certificate. Parents need a valid photo id, such as a passport or driver's license in order to apply for their child. Lacking one of these, you can also use a work ID card, a life insurance policy or even a marriage license. The idea is to prove that you are who you say you are and prove that the baby is yours.

These documents generally need to be the originals, although copies may be allowed if the issuing agency approves them. Photocopies are never acceptable since the quality is so low that it just isn't possible to see important details.

It is important to note that if you wait until your child is 12 years of age or older, he will be required to sit for an interview when you do apply, even if a guardian will be signing the papers. For this reason it is advisable to get it out of the way as early and easily as possible.

A Social Security number is something that your kids will need to have anyways as they get older, so why not make it easier on everyone and apply now?