Social Security?
Okay, not a question so much about birth, but about *after* the birth. I had a home birth, and I'm not quite sure how to do this. I went to the courthouse two weeks ago and got my sons birth certificate. Great, step one completed. Problem is the clerks were useless, they didnt know whether by checking the box that "authorized" them to send the information to social security that took care of applying for a social security # for him, or if there was more I need to do.
Okay so I've been a slacker and havent dealt with this yet, I have a 20 day old baby, gimme a break :P.
So I called the 800 number this morning and got some useless chick on the phone who just kept telling me the hospital should take care of the application... well that obviously doesnt apply to me, my son was born in my living room.
So I try calling the local office, I get to the point that it says "To schedule an appointment press zero" I press zero and it says "I will now transfer you to an operator" and then it takes me back to the start of the main menu, rinse repeat, over and over again.
How do I do this? I found on the website that to apply I need to fill out the SS5 form, which I emailed to my husband at work for him to print out for me. And i found the below information. So I guess all I need is his birth certificate and doctor records and I should be okay? I dont want to drag him out to a germ infested office just to sit there for an hour only to find out there is some other crap I need to have with me.
So for mama's (and daddy's) who have been through this before. What did you have to do to get your childs social security number after a home birth?
Social Security Number for a U.S.-Born Citizen Child (never had a number)
Regardless of age, anyone physically and mentally capable may sign an Application For A Social Security Card. To apply for a Social Security number:
Anyone age 12 or older requesting an original Social Security number card must appear for an interview at a Social Security office.
Social Security must verify a birth record for all U.S.-born applicants who apply for an original Social Security number. An exception is made for a parent who applies for a baby’s Social Security number at the hospital when the baby is born. To verify a birth record, Social Security will contact the office that issued it.
Citizenship
We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. consular report of birth, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
Age
You must present your child’s birth certificate if you have it or can easily obtain it. If not, we can consider other documents, such as your child’s passport to prove age.
Identity
Your child: While you can use a birth certificate to prove age or citizenship, you cannot use it as proof of identity. Social Security needs evidence that shows the child continues to exist beyond the date of birth.
We can accept only certain documents as proof of your child’s identity. An acceptable document must show your child’s name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph. Your child must be present unless the picture ID also shows your child's biographical information (i.e., age, date of birth, or parents’ names). We generally can accept a non-photo identity document if it has enough information to identify the child (such as the child’s name and age, date of birth or parents’ names). We prefer to see the child’s U.S. passport. If that document is not available, we may accept the child’s:
You: We also must see proof of your identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph. For example, as proof of identity Social Security must see your:
We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
We will mail your child’s card as soon as we have all of your child’s information and have verified your child's documents.
Crossposted a few places.
Okay so I've been a slacker and havent dealt with this yet, I have a 20 day old baby, gimme a break :P.
So I called the 800 number this morning and got some useless chick on the phone who just kept telling me the hospital should take care of the application... well that obviously doesnt apply to me, my son was born in my living room.
So I try calling the local office, I get to the point that it says "To schedule an appointment press zero" I press zero and it says "I will now transfer you to an operator" and then it takes me back to the start of the main menu, rinse repeat, over and over again.
How do I do this? I found on the website that to apply I need to fill out the SS5 form, which I emailed to my husband at work for him to print out for me. And i found the below information. So I guess all I need is his birth certificate and doctor records and I should be okay? I dont want to drag him out to a germ infested office just to sit there for an hour only to find out there is some other crap I need to have with me.
So for mama's (and daddy's) who have been through this before. What did you have to do to get your childs social security number after a home birth?
Social Security Number for a U.S.-Born Citizen Child (never had a number)
Regardless of age, anyone physically and mentally capable may sign an Application For A Social Security Card. To apply for a Social Security number:
- Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and
- Show us documents proving your child’s:
- U.S. citizenship;
- Age; and
- Identity.
- Show us proof of your identity.
- Take your completed application and original documents to your local Social Security office.
Anyone age 12 or older requesting an original Social Security number card must appear for an interview at a Social Security office.
Social Security must verify a birth record for all U.S.-born applicants who apply for an original Social Security number. An exception is made for a parent who applies for a baby’s Social Security number at the hospital when the baby is born. To verify a birth record, Social Security will contact the office that issued it.
Citizenship
We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. consular report of birth, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
Age
You must present your child’s birth certificate if you have it or can easily obtain it. If not, we can consider other documents, such as your child’s passport to prove age.
Identity
Your child: While you can use a birth certificate to prove age or citizenship, you cannot use it as proof of identity. Social Security needs evidence that shows the child continues to exist beyond the date of birth.
We can accept only certain documents as proof of your child’s identity. An acceptable document must show your child’s name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph. Your child must be present unless the picture ID also shows your child's biographical information (i.e., age, date of birth, or parents’ names). We generally can accept a non-photo identity document if it has enough information to identify the child (such as the child’s name and age, date of birth or parents’ names). We prefer to see the child’s U.S. passport. If that document is not available, we may accept the child’s:
- Adoption decree;
- Doctor, clinic or hospital record;
- Religious record (e.g., baptismal record);
- Daycare center or school record; or
- School identification card.
You: We also must see proof of your identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph. For example, as proof of identity Social Security must see your:
- U.S. driver’s license;
- State-issued nondriver identification card; or
- U.S. passport.
We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
We will mail your child’s card as soon as we have all of your child’s information and have verified your child's documents.
Crossposted a few places.