Enumeration at Birth
November 3, 2000
<<Previous
The Social Security Administration will always tell you that getting an SSN is strictly voluntary. They will tell you that no one is required to get a SSN to live and work in the United States. The law will confirm this. The only people required to get a SSN is aliens upon admission into the United States and "All other Applicants". What they will not do is tell you that they are going to do everything in their power to make sure that everyone is enumerated. For example, here is the procedure if a parent objects to a newborn getting a SSN under the "Enumeration at Birth Program." Notice how they will pretend that the state inadvertantly keyed "yes." And this is what our hospitals are instructed to do!

THE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER POLICY AND GENERAL PROCEDURES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
TN 16 6-90 RM 00905.100B.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------
00205.100 PARENT OBJECTS TO ASSIGNMENT OF SSN TO CHILD
UNDER THE ENUMERATION AT BIRTH PROGRAM

A. POLICY SSA does not change, void or cancel SSNs. In special
situations, SSA will delete the applicant information
from the SSN record.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
B. PROCEDURE A parent may object when a child is assigned an SSN.

If a child is issued an SSN card via the Enumeration at
Birth program (the online NUMIDENT shows "FMC:6" for
Enumeration at Birth items) and the mother states she
answered "no" to the enumeration question when providing
birth information for the newborn, assume that the State
inadvertantly keyed "yes", and follow these steps:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
STEP ACTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Explain that the child will need an SSN, by at least
age 2, if he/she will be listed as a dependent on an
income tax return.

* If the parent accepts this explanation and will
keep the SSN card, stop.

* If this is not acceptable, go to step 2.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Explain that on SSA's records, the account will remain
dormant, unless earnings are posted on the record.

* If the parent accepts this explanation and will
keep the card, stop.

* If the parent accepts the explanation but does
want the SSN card, take the card and destroy the
card (RM 00201.060). Explain that when an
application is later made for an SSN card the
same number will be assigned.

* If the parent inists that we delete the SSN
record, explain that the deletion action may
take several months. (Go to step 3.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 * Document the parent's objection and advise the
parent that the case must be sent to central
office (CO) for review.

* Explain to the parent that if we delete the
applicant information from the SSN record, a
subsequent SSN request (likely before the child
is age 2) will result in a different SSN. In
addition, if and when the parent files for an
SSN for the child in the future, he/she should
enter "no" in item 10 on the SS-5.

* Forward all material pertinent to the situation
(including the FO observation and recommendation)
to CO at:

Social Security Administration
ORSI, DE, E&R
3-E-26 Operations Building
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 Request review of the case and action concerning the
parent's request for deletion of the data from the
SSN record. Send a copy of the entire file to the
appropriate regional office so that they can discuss
ongoing problems with the involved State.

Here is the page reprinted (without permission) from the SSA website. Of course this will confirm that it is voluntary. It certainly doesn't seem that way. I have talked to many parents who were told that they could not leave the hospital without getting a SSN for their newborn. Do I detect shades of nazi germany here somewhere?

Social Security
Numbers For Newborns
Publication No. 05-10023
October 1999
ICN 454925


SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS FOR NEWBORNS

You have a lot of things on your mind when you have a baby. We realize that getting a Social Security number isn't at the top of your list of "things to do." However, we're using this opportunity to tell you why it's important that you get a number for your baby and how easy it is to get one. We'll also answer some other questions you might have about Social Security numbers.

Why Should I Get A Social Security
Number For My Baby?

The main reason you should get a Social Security number is to claim your baby as a dependent on your income tax return. Any child you claim as a dependent on your income tax return must have a number, regardless of age. Getting a Social Security number is just the beginning of the valuable protection and benefits your child may be eligible for in the future.

Are There Other Advantages?

Young children need Social Security numbers for many reasons, in addition to the tax reason.

Your child needs a number if you plan to—

    • open a bank account;
    • buy savings bonds;
    • obtain medical coverage; or
    • apply for some kind of government\services for your child.
Must My Baby Have A Social Security Number Now?

No! Getting a Social Security number for your baby is strictly voluntary.

How Do I Apply?

You have a choice. You can—

    • apply for a number in the hospital when you furnish information for your baby's birth certificate; or
    • apply for a number from us later.
It's easy to apply at at birth. When you give the hospital representative information for your baby's birth certificate, you'll be asked if you want to apply for a Social Security number for your baby. If you say "yes," you need to provide both parents' Social Security numbers. We'll assign your baby a number and mail the Social Security card directly to you

If you want to wait to apply for your baby's number at one of our offices, you'll need to—

    • fill out an application (you need to provide both parent's Social Security numbers);
    • show evidence of your child's age, identity and citizenship; and
    • show evidence of your identity.
Do I Have To Pay for A Number?

No! There is never a charge for a Social Security card and number. If you're contacted by someone who wants to charge you for getting a card or number, or for any Social Security service, please be aware that all services are available free of charge from us.

What If I Lose The Card?

Keep your baby's Social Security card in a safe place. It's an important document. However, if you lose the card, we will replace it at no charge. Just contact your nearest Social Security office.

Social Security Number Misuse

Sometimes more than one person uses the same Social Security number, either on purpose or not. Your should let us know if you believe someone is using a Social Security number that belongs to someone else.

It's against the law to—

    • use someone else's Social Security number;
    • give false information when applying for a number; or
    • alter or sell Social Security cards.
Anyone convicted of these crimes is subject to stiff fines and/or imprisonment

Your Privacy

When you apply for a Social security number, all information provided is kept strictly confidential and is not disclosed, except when required by law.

For More Information

You can get recorded information about Social Security 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays, by calling Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. You can speak to a service representative between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on business days. Our lines are busiest early in the week and early in the month so, if your business can wait, it's best to call at other times. Whenever you call, have your Social Security number handy.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on business days.

We treat all calls confidentially—whether they're made to our toll-free numbers or to one of our local offices. We also want to make sure that you receive accurate and courteous service. That's why we have a second Social Security representative monitor some incoming and outgoing telephone calls.


Social Security Administration
SSA Publication No. 05-10023
October 1999
ICN 454925









"When all government, in little as in great things, shall be drawn to Washington as the Center of all Power, it will render powerless the checks
provided of one government on another and will become as venal and oppressive as the government from which we separated." -- Thomas Jefferson (1821) in a letter to Gideon Granger.
DISCLAIMER: The data on this website is the collaborative experience, contributions, and research of various websites, legal books, tax documents, researchers, associates, attorneys, CPA's, etc. and does not constitute legal advice. The primary purpose of this site is education. We do not advocate any specific course of action. What you do with this information and any course of action you decide to take, if any, is entirely your responsibility.
]
About | Info-Center | Case-Law | Contact Freedom Materials | Merchandise | Experiences Links Page | Submit your Story