by Attorney Nihara K. Choudhri

Learn about applying for your baby's Social Security number.

A Social Security number is the federal government's way of identifying your child. Your child will need a Social Security number in order for you to claim child-related tax breaks -- such as the dependent exemption and the child tax credit--on your income taxes. You will also need the number to add your new baby to your health insurance plan, to set up a college savings plan or bank account for your child, or to apply for government benefits that could help your little one.

How to Apply For a Social Security Number

The easiest way to apply for a Social Security number for your child is to complete a birth registration form, which has a box you can check to request a number for your child. To complete the form, you will need to provide both parents' Social Security numbers.

For most new parents, it's easy to obtain the birth registration form, because hospitals usually distribute them while the mother is still a patient.

But if you didn't deliver your baby in the hospital or if for some other reason you were never given a birth registration form to complete, you can visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office and request a number in person. This process requires you to do three things:

• Complete Form SS-5 (Application for Social Security Number) and provide both parents' Social Security numbers on the form. To save time, download and complete Form SS-5 from the SSA website (www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.pdf) before you go.

• Provide at least two documents proving your baby's age, identity, and citizenship status. One document should ideally be your child's birth certificate. The other document can be your child's hospital birth record or other medical record.

• Provide proof of your own identity. Your driver's license and passport are both acceptable.