VERIFYING SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS - NEWBORNS
ISSUE DATE: 03/2026
MFIP:
A parent may request a Social Security number (SSN) for a newborn child on the birth certificate application. The state vital statistics office sends the birth registration data to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Social Security Administration (SSA) issues an SSN and sends a Social Security card to the parent(s) for the child.
Accept form SSA-2853-OP4 (Information About When You Will Receive Your Baby's Social Security Card) as verification that the unit has applied for an SSN. Keep the form, or a copy of it, in the case file.
Remind the parent(s) that they must report the SSN to the county agency when the number is received.
SNAP:
A parent may request a Social Security number (SSN) for a newborn child on the birth certificate application. The state vital statistics office sends the birth registration data to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Social Security Administration (SSA) issues an SSN and sends a Social Security card to the parent(s) for the child.
Accept form SSA-2853-OP4 (Information About When You Will Receive Your Baby's Social Security Card) as verification that the unit has applied for an SSN. Keep the form, or a copy of it, in the case file.
If the unit cannot provide or apply for an SSN for the newborn immediately following the birth, allow the unit to provide the SSN or proof of application for an SSN for the newborn at its next recertification or within 6 months following the month of the baby's birth, whichever is later. Also see 0012.03 (Providing/Applying for an SSN).
Remind the parent(s) that they must report the SSN to the county agency when the number is received.
MSA, GA, HSP:
No provisions.
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