Question: How do you get a social security number for a home birth baby?
Answer: Babies who are born at home are still eligible for social security numbers. When you go to apply for your birth certificate or when your midwife or doctor applies for the birth certificate, you will be asked if you would like to also apply for a social security number (SSN) at the same time. You can choose to take this route, which is usually easier and requires less paper work, simply the social secuirty numbers of the parents.
If you choose to wait and apply for yourself, you will need proof of the baby's age and birth, citizenship and your identity. You will also have to apply in person at the social security office. While your baby does not need a social security number immediately, your baby will not be able to have a bank account, attend some schools or other inconveniences without the benefit of a number. You will also need this number after one year to claim your baby on your income taxes.
Source:
Social Security Numbers for Children. Social Security Administration (SSA). May 2009 Accessed 12/20/09.
