Child's social security number?

[Erroneous 0]

Reading the guide on how to obtain a social security number, I just had a few questions..

My wife's child is eligible to recieve a SS number (came in the US under a K2 visa) for the sole reason of insurance which requires a social security number. I assume the social security agency is aware of this, but will they require a written document from my insurance before they will issue one?

Also, we applied for my wife's social security number using her maiden name, but now that we are married she will be changing it to the same as mine. So we must go back with a new SS-5 and apply for it to be changed. Since we did not file for her son's social security number at the same time, can we just apply for a new social security number for her son using his new name? Or do they require one to be created under his name he entered the US using, and then once it is issued they will then change it using another application?

Thank you for the help.

[raymaga 25]

If I recall (from when my K-2 daughter arrived in the U.S.) we were not able to get her a SSN card until after she became a Permanent Resident (after she was approved for the Green Card).

[VanessaTony 3,567]

what do you mean "his new name"? You getting married doesn't give him a new name. You have to apply for a name change or adopt the child.... unless I'm missing something here.

[Erroneous 0]

I will be adopting him at some point. But you said apply for a name change. Apply where since he has no social security documents/number as of yet. We will apply for SS under his current name, and once he is adopted change his name to my last name. Just so I am clear, adoption is the only way to change his name or social security will also change it by just showing a marriage certificate?

I am not an expert, and I am learning about the social security process as I go.

Thanks for the help.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I will be adopting him at some point. But you said apply for a name change. Apply where since he has no social security documents/number as of yet. We will apply for SS under his current name, and once he is adopted change his name to my last name. Just so I am clear, adoption is the only way to change his name or social security will also change it by just showing a marriage certificate?

I am not an expert, and I am learning about the social security process as I go.

Thanks for the help.

I believe adoption is the only way as you marrying his mother changes nothing, a name change is another way (eventually of course). His father will need to sign off on the adoption which I'm sure you know.

A lawyer will be needed for it though I assume.

Edited January 6, 2010 by Vanessa&Tony

[I'm Gone 60]

My wife's child is eligible to recieve a SS number (came in the US under a K2 visa) for the sole reason of insurance which requires a social security number. I assume the social security agency is aware of this, but will they require a written document from my insurance before they will issue one?

Also, we applied for my wife's social security number using her maiden name, but now that we are married she will be changing it to the same as mine. So we must go back with a new SS-5 and apply for it to be changed. Since we did not file for her son's social security number at the same time, can we just apply for a new social security number for her son using his new name? Or do they require one to be created under his name he entered the US using, and then once it is issued they will then change it using another application?

A K-2 child need work authorization or a valid non work reason to be assigned an SSN and putting the child on your health insurance is not a valid non work reason to be assigned an SSN. So you apply for an EAD card for the child or wait until the AOS is approved and the child is issued an I-551 stamp or card.

The EAD application cost is part of the AOS submission so I would get the kid an EAD card. If you don't want to do that and need a number for taxes apply with the IRS for an ITIN.

SSA is going to use the name on the child's immigration document as the child's legal name, unless you provide a legal name change document and for a child that going to be either a court ordered name change or a adoption decree.

Now as far as your wife changing her name and being issued an SSN card in that name it's going to depend on how long she has been here to determine the documents that are needed. If she has been here 76 days or more she is going to need an EAD card. If she has been here less than 76 days she is still eligible based on her K-1 status and using her I-94, but her status still needs to be verified before the card can be issued. If she enters into the 76 day period while waiting for her status to be verified she will need to wait until she has an EAD card.

[Erroneous 0]

Thank you for the help everyone. Nothng is easy, but you are all quite wonderful.