Local Social Security Office does not want to give my US Citizen child a SSN

[Jose Campos 3]

This is my situation, my child is 5 months old and was born abroad, in Lima Peru. I am a naturalized US Citizen living here in the United States for over 20 years and I did all the paperwork in order for my child to acquire US Citizen, after a few weeks I was able to receive my child’s US Passport and Consular Report of birth abroad. 

 

I never applied for a social security number for my child since the US Embassy at Lima, Peru told me that they do not provide that service anymore.

I came back to the United States with my child’s US Passport and Consular Report and I called my local social security office and they asked what is the purpose of getting a social security number if the child currently lives abroad with mom? I answered that is my child’s right to have a social security number as a US Citizen and that mom cannot travel to the US because I haven't petition for her yet.

At the end of the call with my local social security office, they said that they won’t be able to provide me with an appointment since the child is not here in the United States, they also asked for the original birth certificate and immunization records, I told them that the only original documents that I have is the consular report abroad and US Passport and I believe those are the only required documents.

Can anyone guide me what should I do? What should I tell the social security office next time I call?

[JeanneAdil 6,498]

1.  u  can try a different SS office or ask to speak to a supervisor/ your child is allowed to have a SS # for claiming child on tax returns

Or

2. If you reside in Peru and have questions regarding services provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located in Costa Rica at FBU.CostaRica@ssa.gov.  For more information on their services and how to contact them, please visit their webpage at: https://cr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/social-security/.

[arken 4,197]

I am not sure if you can force a SS office to accept SSN application for the kid who is not in the US. Not sure about the policies. Same way you can't apply for your USC child's passport in the US when the child is not in the US.

 

Even if they allow you, provide what they asked for. When they asked for original birth certificate, provide birth certificate issued from Lima. CRBA is not a birth certificate.

[Jose Campos 3]

2 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

1.  u  can try a different SS office or ask to speak to a supervisor/ your child is allowed to have a SS # for claiming child on tax returns

Or

2. If you reside in Peru and have questions regarding services provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located in Costa Rica at FBU.CostaRica@ssa.gov.  For more information on their services and how to contact them, please visit their webpage at: https://cr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/social-security/.

I currently live here in the United States, for over 20 years that is the reason why I am contacting my local social security office. My US Citizen Child currently lives with mom in Lima, Peru because she is 5 months old and mom cannot currently travel here to the United States. Regarding claiming child on tax return, I do not file tax returns since I am physically disabled at birth and I have SSI benefits.

[JeanneAdil 6,498]

9 minutes ago, Jose Campos said:

I currently live here in the United States, for over 20 years that is the reason why I am contacting my local social security office. My US Citizen Child currently lives with mom in Lima, Peru because she is 5 months old and mom cannot currently travel here to the United States. Regarding claiming child on tax return, I do not file tax returns since I am physically disabled at birth and I have SSI benefits.

I understand that u are here but that office can help guide u as child is in Peru

[Jose Campos 3]

20 minutes ago, arken said:

I am not sure if you can force a SS office to accept SSN application for the kid who is not in the US. Not sure about the policies. Same way you can't apply for your USC child's passport in the US when the child is not in the US.

 

Even if they allow you, provide what they asked for. When they asked for original birth certificate, provide birth certificate issued from Lima. CRBA is not a birth certificate.

This is what the instructions says for an SSN Application for a child.

 

At a Social Security office: If you wait to apply for your child’s number, you must:
• Complete an application for a Social Security card. 
(I already completed the application)

• Show us original documents proving your child’s: —U.S. citizenship. —Age. —Identity. •
(I have my child's original CRBA document and US Passport)

Show us documents proving your identity and your relationship to your child.
(I currently have a copy of a birth certificate that was issued at Lima, Peru. Don't have the original.)

Anyone age 12 or older who requests an original Social Security number must appear in person for an interview. This applies even if a parent or guardian will sign the application on the child’s behalf.
(Child is 5 months old so to my understanding child does not have to be physically present at the appointment.)

Citizenship We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include a:
• U.S. birth certificate.
• U.S. consular report of birth.
• U.S. passport.
• Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.

(I have my child's US Passport and Consular Report of Birth.)

 

Last part of the instructions:

 

If your child was born outside the United States, you need to present your child’s foreign birth certificate.
If you have one or can get a copy within 10 business days. If you can’t get it, we may be able to accept your child’s:
• Certificate of Birth Abroad (FS-545).
• Certificate of Report of Birth (DS-1350).
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240).
(This is what I currently have, original, consular report of birth abroad)
• Certificate of Naturalization.
• Passport.
(I also have my child's US Passport).

Identity Your child:
We can accept only certain documents as proof of your child’s identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your child’s name, identifying information, and preferably, a recent photograph. We generally can accept a non-photo identity document if it has enough information to identify the child. Information may include the child’s name and age, date of birth, 4 (over) or parents’ names. We prefer to see the child’s U.S. passport. If that document isn’t available, we may accept the child’s:
• State-issued non-driver identification card.
• Adoption decree. • Doctor, clinic, or hospital record.
• Religious record. • School or daycare center record.
• School identification card.

You: If you’re a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your U.S. driver’s license, state-issued non-driver identification card, or U.S. passport as proof of your identity. If you don’t have these specific documents, we’ll ask to see other documents that may be available, such as:
(I am the US Citizen father of my child, and I currently have my US Passport and state issued non driver identification card)

• Employee identification card.
• School identification card.
• Health insurance card (not a Medicare card).
• U.S. military identification card.
• Life insurance policy.

 

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We can’t accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your child’s passport as proof of both citizenship and identity. Or, we may use your child’s birth certificate as proof 5 of age and citizenship. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.

 

 

Can someone please help me determine if my child is eligible for a social security number? I am guiding myself with the instructions provided by the social security application.

Edited February 2, 2022 by Jose Campos

[Mike E 11,739]

I had to bring both my children to the SS office when I got them SSNs.  Written policy doesn’t always align with practice.  
 

Will you be claiming your child on a federal tax return for some tax benefit?

[Jose Campos 3]

3 minutes ago, Mike E said:

I had to bring both my children to the SS office when I got them SSNs.  Written policy doesn’t always align with practice.  
 

Will you be claiming your child on a federal tax return for some tax benefit?

Were your children also under 12 years old? My child is 5 months old. Instructions says children under 12 years old don't have to be at the appointment.

 

I can't claim my child on federal tax return because I don't file taxes. I was born physically disabled and I have SSI benefits.

[Mike E 11,739]

19 minutes ago, Jose Campos said:

Were your children also under 12 years old? My child is 5 months old. Instructions says children under 12 years old don't have to be at the appointment.

First child was between 1-2 years old.  The law didn’t require an SSN for dependents on tax returns yet and the only reason I got her one then because a relative wanted to open a bank account for her.  
 

Second child was under 1 year old. The law had changed.  
 

19 minutes ago, Jose Campos said:

 

I can't claim my child on federal tax return because I don't file taxes. I was born physically disabled and I have SSI benefits.

Since the child doesn’t need an SSN yet I’m confused why you want to spend energy on this now.   

[Jose Campos 3]

3 minutes ago, Mike E said:

First child was between 1-2 years old.  The law didn’t require an SSN for dependents on tax returns yet and the only reason I got her one then because a relative wanted to open a bank account for her.  
 

Second child was under 1 year old. The law had changed.  
 

Since the child doesn’t need an SSN yet I’m confused why you want to spend energy on this now.   

My child was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Lima Peru, same physical condition that I was born with. This condition makes her bones easy to break. I am applying for a hospital here in the United States so she can get treatment as soon as she is able to come here (child cannot travel to the US for now since is too baby now and I haven't petition for her mom yet). The hospital application requires her to have a social security card and be a US Citizen or Green Card Holder.

This is the main reason why I would like to get her as social security card.

 

Should I give up and just wait for my child to arrive here to the United States in order to get her a social security card? or should I continue with my application? I believe I have all the necessary documents in order for her to have a social security card, and the instructions clearly says that any children less than 12 years old does not have to be physically present.

My child was born a US Citizen, with a CRBA and US Passport, I believe she has the right to have a social security card.

[Mike E 11,739]

What happens when you enter 000-00-0000 as her SSN? 

[Jose Campos 3]

Just now, Mike E said:

What happens when you enter 000-00-0000 as her SSN? 

What do you mean? I am kind of confuse, should I enter 000-00-0000 in the hospital application application? or the Social Security Number application?

 

Please guide me.

[Mike E 11,739]

Just now, Jose Campos said:

What do you mean? I am kind of confuse, should I enter 000-00-0000 in the hospital application application? or the Social Security Number application?

 

Please guide me.

Hospital 

[Jose Campos 3]

Just now, Mike E said:

Hospital 

I haven't tried this yet. Application asks for a social security number and hospital coordinator also ask me for the social security number.

Should I just enter all zeros for now? Why the social security office is making a hard time to get my child a SSN?

[milimelo 4,477]

Go through Costa Rica unit for SSN. Plenty of CRBA applicants get SSN issued overseas (local embassy unit corresponds with SSA to get it).