General, Social Security Number and Card

How To Get Your New Baby’s Social Security Number

December 9, 2021 • By

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Last Updated: December 9, 2021

father holding a newborn baby smiling with the motherWelcoming a baby to your family is an exciting time. Doing paperwork – even for something as important as a Social Security number for your newborn – is probably one of the last things you want to do. We’ve made it easy. 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’ll 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.

There are many reasons why your child should have a Social Security number. You need a Social Security number to claim your child as a dependent on your income tax return. You may also need a number for your child if you plan to do the following for your child:

  • Open a bank account.
  • Buy savings bonds.
  • Get medical coverage.
  • Apply for government services.

You can find more information by reading our publication, Social Security Numbers for Children.

Please share this information with people who are having a baby. Applying for a Social Security number at the hospital will save them time and let them focus on their new bundle of joy.

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About the Author

Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

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Comments

  1. Betul B.

    Hi!
    I live in La Jolla, San Diego, CA. I have to flight transatlantic straight after 10 days of my delivery. What is the earliest day that I could expedite getting the SSN and US passport by applying in person at an authorized passport agency?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Betul. Social Security offices are currently open only for in-person appointments for limited, critical situations. We are unable to accept walk-in visitors. If you feel you have a critical situation, please visit our Coronavirus (COVID-19) page for more information and updates. We hope this helps. 

  2. Dameka G.

    I went on e-z forms to apply for a social security card for my new born. it it usually a $39.99 charge for a social security card or is this a service fee on that particular site? or do they charge to same fee if I go to the Social Security Office in person?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Dameka. The Social Security Administration does not charge for a replacement social security card. You can request a replacement social security card free of charge by mailing your completed application and documents to your local office. You can find what documents you will need to get a Social Security Card for a child by visiting our Learn What Documents You Will Need to Get A Social Security Card page.Using the blue buttons on the left of the page, select who the card is for, type of card, and citizenship of the child. You will then see the required documents. We hope this helps. 

  3. Shalisa N.

    What documents are acceptable to apply for a newborn social? If any are needed?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Shalisa. You can find what documents you will need to get a Social Security Card for a child by visiting our Learn What Documents You Will Need to Get A Social Security Card page. Using the blue buttons on the left of the page, select who the card is for, type of card, and citizenship of the child. You will then see the required documents. We hope this helps. 

  4. Jessica

    It’s been one month and I still have not received my baby social, what’s going on I apply at the hospital when my baby was born do I have to reply again. Please help where is my son social

    • A.C.

      Hi, Jessica. We are sorry to hear that. Each state or jurisdiction has different processing times. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions to find out how long it takes to process a card application for a newborn and what to do if you have not received it. Thanks!

      • Jessica

        I have check take up to 6 weeks, and it say not to reply so now I’m wondering what to do next.

    • Blanca

      My daughter is going on 5 months never received it and confirmed with the hospital it was sent 5 days after she was born on 9/15/21 dropped off application a birth certificate a copy of my license and my insurance card now they are telling me they need proof I’m her mother and her immunization records! It’s ridiculous my name is obviously on the birth certificate on the copy of my drivers license and on my insurance card what more proof is needed? I’m so frustrated with SSA I agree with another commenter everything is open and so are all state offices how long will they be using this COVID excuse? And then when you do talk to someone they are extremely rude get a new job if you cannot handle customer service!! It shouldn’t be this difficult to obtain a newborns social security card!

      • Blancs

        I’m sorry going on 6 months in March!

      • A.C.

        Hi, Blanca. We are sorry to hear about your experience. You can find what documents you will need to get a Social Security Card for a child by visiting our Learn What Documents You Will Need to Get A Social Security Card page.  Using the blue buttons on the left of the page, select who the card is for, type of card, and citizenship of the child. You will then see the required documents. You can also submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this helps.

  5. Bob

    Trying to get a copy of my 3 yr old daughters SS Card. None of the offices are open and I cant apply for a replacement card online because it’s not me. what do I do ?

    Thank you

  6. Desiree

    My son was born January 2021. He’s over a year old now. No SS card. My local office is closed. I’ve tried calling. What do I need to do to get him one!

  7. Juan

    Thanks for information! Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a powerful idea of promoting company and its products and services on the internet. Of late, the number of internet users has been increased to the great extent so that it has become important to get your products and services promoted on the net. Let’s visit my games website : Situs Resmi LOTUS99, LOTUS99, dan Kenapa Harus Memilih LOTUS99?

  8. Ebonie H.

    It has been a year I have yet to receive a card. My local office is closed and won’t ever answer, I call daily about 3,4 times. When I also call the 1-800-772-1213, I’m on hold forever.. more than 2 hours. I need real assistance. PLEASE.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Ebonie. We are sorry to hear about your experience. Please be aware our call volume is higher than normal. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local office. To ensure you have the correct contact information for your local office, please visit our Social Security Office Locator page. You can also submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this helps.

      • Erika b.

        My ex boyfriend claimed my daughter on taxes last year n I never got my child tax credit for 2021 or 2022. We are not together anymore and he said on taxes he was her dad n she has no dad because I don’t know who he is.

        • A.C.

          Hi, Erika. We are sorry to hear about your situation. For any income tax questions or concerns, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040 or you can visit their website at http://www.irs.gov/. We hope this helps. 

      • ebony W.

        How can I get my child social security card

        • A.C.

          Hi, Ebony. Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions for information on how to replace a Social Security card for a child. We hope this helps. 

          • Kye

            I had my baby in September still no ssn card . I tried calling no answer are the offices even open ? If not how do I get her informatiob

          • A.C.

            Hi, Kye. We are sorry to hear that. Please be aware our call volume is higher than normal. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office.  You can also call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Thanks!   

  9. Kirby A.

    Been 2 months since my daughter’s been born and still no ssc. I just want to know if there’s a way to know it is still coming to me somehow.

    • Kevin B.

      Please bring me my newborn’s baby please bring me my newborn baby today to come home today right now

      • Bryson

        Yes baby my baby today my newborn baby today a boy he black boy

    • A.C.

      Hi, Kirby. Each state or jurisdiction has different processing times. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions to find out how long it takes to process a card application for a newborn and what to do if you have not received it. Thanks! 

  10. Jessica l.

    I still not have receive my baby social security and I tried calling and can’t get of hold of anyone. And I called during business hours still no answer

    • A.C.

      Hi, Jessica. We are sorry to hear that. Each state or jurisdiction has different processing times. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions to find out how long it takes to process a card application for a newborn and what to do if you have not received it. Thanks! 

      • Karen D.

        Why is the social security office still closed to the Public…???Our kids are back in school…. Every other government office is open…medical/dental offices are open…..WHY??????

        Baby born 2 months ago, can’t even talk to anyone as you guys never answer your phones…finally got thru at 10 till 4:00, but the phone was answered and immediately disconnected…too close to closing time….

        Government ran office go figure

        • A.C.

          Hi, Karen. We are sorry to hear about your experience.  Each state or jurisdiction has different processing times for newborns. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions to find out how long it takes to process a card application for a newborn and what to do if you have not received it. You can also submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this helps.

Comments are closed.