              Social Security Numbers For Newborns                 
                                                                   
                            
                          U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
                      
                          Social Security Administration                                     
                          SSA Publication No. 05-10023                                       
                          February 1992                                                      
                          ICN 454925 

                                 
  You have a lot of things on your mind when you have a baby.  We  
realize that getting a Social Security number isn't at the top of  
your list of "things to do." But we're using this opportunity to   
tell you why it's important that you get a number for your baby    
and how easy it is to get one.  We'll also answer some other       
questions you might have about Social Security numbers.            
                                                                   
Why Should I Get A Social Security Number For My Baby?             
                                                                   
  The main reason you should get a Social Security number for your 
baby is because there's a law that requires you to have a number   
for any child age 1 or older listed as a dependent on your tax     
return.                                                            
                                                                   
  Even though you don't legally need a Social Security number for  
your child for a year, now is the easiest time to apply.           
                                                                   
How Do I Apply For A Social Security Number For My Baby?           
                                                                   
  You do not need to fill out a special application or go to a     
Social Security office to get a Social Security number for your    
baby.  When your hospital representative or doctor asks you for    
the information needed to complete your baby's birth certificate,  
all you have to do is tell them to have your State's vital         
statistics office share the information with the Social Security   
Administration.  If you do, a Social Security card will be mailed  
to you.  It is as easy as that!                                    
                                                                   
What Are The Advantages Of Getting A Social                     
Security Number When My Baby Is Born?                              
                                                                   
  The chances are that you will need to have a Social Security     
number for your baby some time in the next few years.              
                                                                   
  Young children need Social Security numbers for many reasons,    
in addition to the tax reason mentioned earlier.  If you plan to   
open a bank account, buy savings bonds, or apply for some kinds    
of government services for your child, then your child will need   
a number.                                                          
                                                                   
  You can apply for a number at birth, or you can wait and get     
one from Social Security later.  The choice is yours.  However,    
applying for a number at birth means that you will not have to     
visit a Social Security office in person when you need the         
number.  You will not have to fill out a special application form 
or submit a birth certificate or other evidence to Social          
Security.  To apply for a number at birth, all you have to do is   
tell your hospital representative or doctor to have the            
information on your baby's birth certificate sent to Social        
Security.  But, the choice is up to you.                           
                                                                   
Must My Baby Have A Social Security Number Now?                    
                                                                   
  No! Getting a Social Security number for your baby is strictly   
voluntary.  You will not get a number unless you ask for one when  
you provide the information for your baby's birth certificate.     
                                                                   
  If you decide not to ask for a number when your baby is born,    
you can get one later by contacting the nearest Social Security    
office.  Of course, you will then be asked to provide evidence     
that you are the child's parent or legal custodian and evidence    
of your child's age, identity, and citizenship.  Your local        
office can provide you with more information.                      
                                                                   
Will I Have To Pay To Receive A Number?                            
                                                                   
  No! There is never a charge for a Social Security card and       
number.                                                            
                                                                   
  If you are ever contacted by somebody who wants to charge you    
for getting a card or number, or for any Social Security service,  
please be aware that the same services are available free of       
charge from the Social Security Administration.                    
                                                                   
What If I Lose My Baby's Social Security Card?                     
                                                                   
  We suggest that you keep your baby's Social Security card in a   
safe place, as you would any important document.  However, should  
you lose the card, Social Security will replace it at no charge.   
Just contact your nearest Social Security office.                  
                                                                   
Other Important Information                                        
                                                                   
  When you apply for a Social Security number, all information     
provided is kept strictly confidential and is not disclosed        
except as provided for under the law.                              
                                                                   
  For more information about Social Security, contact your         
nearest Social Security office.  Or, you can call our toll-free    
number 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. any business day.  
  The Social Security Administration treats all calls             
confidentially--whether they're made to our toll-free number or    
to one of our local offices.  We also want to ensure that you      
receive accurate and courteous service.  That is why we have a     
second Social Security representative listen to some incoming and  
