2007-09-26 04:55:51 · 22 answers · asked by scaredeycat 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Because you are issued a Social Security Number on the day you are born. You need a SSN for everything now, if you want to apply for benefits for your child,the pediatrician's office need it as well. And especially when you enroll your child in school.
2007-09-26 05:12:34 · answer #1 · answered by kat_kris2001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is being done at birth simply for convenience. A child does not have to have a SSN until age 5 and then only if claimed as a dependent for an exemption on income tax. The IRS requires that children claimed as dependents have a SSN by age 5. The idea to avoid fraud by having divorced parents each claiming an exemption for the child. Only one parent can claim the child for an exemption as a dependent. When I got divorced, it was written into the settlement agreement that my son remained my dependent whether living with me or not which is how I found out about the age 5 ruling as my son was only 4-1/2 at the time and my lawyer told me. Before the age 5 ruling, you did not need a SSN until you were going to pay taxes, as the SSN is the "taxpayer identification code" and this was also the number of your social security account which has to exist when you start working and earing and having employment taxes withheld.
2007-09-26 05:14:35 · answer #2 · answered by rowlfe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a funny story behind that but since I don't tell jokes well it may not sound that way at first....
In 1978(not sure of exact year but that's close) about 14 million children across America went missing and they have never been located, This number may shock you at first but actually it reflects a change in the Social Security and tax law. Parents could no longer just claim they had 4 children they had to provide the SS# number for each dependent they claimed
so initially you are not required to have a ss # BUT if your parents wish to claim you as a dependent on their taxes you will need one since the government no longer takes your word for it (they also use it to verify that a child isn't being claimed by two households) but you do need the number for finances, health, travel and employment as well and some of those start day one of your out of womb existence.
Hope that explains it
2007-09-26 05:28:39 · answer #3 · answered by pbj 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A SS number is used for identification purposes. It's used by the government for taxes. Doctors and hospitals use it for billing. Banks use it for accounts and credit reporting. Even utility companies use it.
You are issued a SS number at birth and this number NEVER changes, even if you get married, divorced, or change your name for whatever reason! You can go to your local SS administration office and apply for a new card with the name change (documentation about why you are changing your name is required; i.e. marriage certificate) but your number will not change.
Cards are sent to parents shortly after a baby is born. At one point in time you had to apply for one and send in a copy of the birth certificate. I don't have children so I don't know if it is still done that way.
Also, it's been done like this for years, at least 27 because that's how my parents obtained my social security card when I was born!
2007-09-26 05:21:44 · answer #4 · answered by terribrooke 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where I live, some banks require a Social Insurance (Canada) Number to open a bank account for a baby.
SSNs are for work, but also are a form of ID.
2007-09-26 05:00:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nowadays, parents typically apply for and receive their newborn's US SS card a few weeks after birth, but this is a recent practice (after c1975)
If you were born before then, you likely applied for a SSN a few weeks before your first job. And if you were born before 1933, you may not have a SSN.
So, strictly speaking, you don't absolutely gotta have a SSN in the United States, but may be stymied with the IRS, college and other places.
2007-09-26 05:12:54 · answer #6 · answered by TryItOnce 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone gets a social security card WHEN they are born, even you did, you just may not have known it. And it is not only just for work either. You also do not "order" a social security card for your child. It is something the government sends out after the child is born.
2007-09-26 04:59:09 · answer #7 · answered by Dana S 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
You have to have a social security number for a child for just about everything these days. Doctor offices, claiming them on your taxes, and enrolling in preschool or just regular school.
2007-09-26 05:32:46 · answer #8 · answered by orphan annie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A SSN is for identification purposes and tax reasons. You can not claim a child on taxes without an SSN. Even when I was in school you needed an SSN
2007-09-26 04:59:35 · answer #9 · answered by texas_angel_wattitude 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
social security card is not for work. It is a form of identification... it is the government's way of assigning you a number so they know who you are. :) Everyone has always gotten them at birth.
2007-09-26 05:18:15 · answer #10 · answered by ishyboo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋