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.  But 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. An
exception is made if your child is born in December 1996; you
have until the following year to get a Social Security number for
your child. And, getting a Social Security number is just the
beginning of the valuable protection and benefits your child may
be eligible for in the future.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER FOR MY BABY?

You don't need to fill out a special application or go to a
Social Security office to get a Social Security number. When your
hospital representative or doctor asks you for the information
needed to complete your baby's birth certificate, all you have to
do is tell them to have your state's vital statistics office
share the information with the Social Security Administration. If
you do, a Social Security card will be mailed to you. It is as
easy as that!

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF GETTING A 
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER WHEN MY BABY IS BORN?

Young children need Social Security numbers for many reasons, in
addition to the tax reason mentioned earlier. If you plan to open
a bank account, buy savings bonds, or apply for some kinds of
government services for your child, then your child will need a
number.

You can apply for a number at birth, or you can wait and get one
from Social Security later. The choice is yours. However,
applying for a number at BIRTH means that you won't have to visit
a Social Security office in person, fill out a special
application form, or submit a birth certificate or other evidence
to Social Security when you need the number. To apply for a
number at BIRTH, all you have to do is tell your hospital
representative or doctor to have the information on your baby's
birth certificate sent to Social Security. But, the choice is up
to you. 

MUST MY BABY HAVE A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER NOW?

No! Getting a Social Security number for your baby is strictly
VOLUNTARY. You won't get a number unless you ask for one when you
provide the information for your baby's birth certificate.

If you decide not to ask for a number when your baby is born, you
can get one later by contacting the nearest Social Security
office. Of course, you'll   be asked to provide evidence that you
are the child's parent or legal custodian and evidence of your
child's age, identity, and citizenship. Your local office can
provide you with more information.

WILL I HAVE TO PAY TO RECEIVE 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 the same services are available FREE OF
CHARGE from the Social Security Administration.

WHAT IF I LOSE MY BABY'S SOCIAL SECURITY CARD?

We suggest that you keep your baby's Social Security card in a
safe place, as you would any important document. However, should
you lose the card, Social Security will replace it at no charge.
Just contact your nearest Social Security office.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

When you apply for a Social Security number, all information
provided is kept strictly confidential and is notdisclosed except
as provided for under the law.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

You can get more information 24 hours a day 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.

If you have a touch-tone phone, recorded information and services
are available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays.

Social Security publications are available to users of the
Internet. Type http://www.ssa.gov to access Internet and these
publications.

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.

The Social Security Administration treats 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 05-10023
July 1996

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SOCIAL SECURITY: YOUR NUMBER


INTRODUCTION

Many of us got our Social Security number about the time we got
our first job. It was a symbol of our right to work and our
responsibility to pay taxes. And, like getting a driver's
license, it was symbolic of becoming an adult. Today, many
parents apply for a number for their newborns even before they
leave the hospital!

Just as having a Social Security number is no longer a symbol of
adulthood, the number's use is no longer confined to working and
paying taxes. In ever increasing numbers, government agencies,
schools, and businesses rely on Social Security numbers to
identify people in their computer systems. Everyone seems to want
your Social Security number.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is aware of concerns
about the increasing uses of the Social Security number for
client identification and recordkeeping purposes. You should not
use your Social Security card as an identification card. However,
several other government agencies are permitted by law to use
Social Security numbers, but there is no law either authorizing
or prohibiting their use. Banks and other financial institutions
use the numbers to report interest earned on accounts to the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Other government agencies use
Social Security numbers in computer matching operations to stop
fraud and abuse. For example, using Social Security numbers, some
state death records are matched to Medicare records to uncover
Medicare and Social Security fraud.

PRIVACY OF RECORDS

Although we can't prevent others from asking for your number, you
should know that giving it to them does NOT give them access to
your Social Security records. The privacy of your records is
guaranteed unless 1) disclosure to another government agency is
required by law or 2) the information is needed to conduct Social
Security or other government health or welfare programs.

If a business or other enterprise asks you for your Social
Security number, you can refuse to give it to them. However, that
may mean doing without the purchase or service for which your
number was requested.

Our primary message is this: be careful with your Social Security
number and your card and protect their privacy whenever possible.






THE ORIGINAL PURPOSE OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

When Social Security began in 1935, a system was needed to keep
track of the earnings, and eventually the benefits, of people who
worked in jobs covered under the new program. Because many people
use more than one name over a lifetime or share the same name, a
numerical identifier was selected. 

WHAT THE NUMBERS MEAN

The nine-digit Social Security number is divided into three
parts. The first three numbers generally indicate the state of
residence at the time a person applies for his or her first card.
Originally, the lowest numbers were assigned to the New England
states, and the numbers grew progressively higher in the South
and West. However, in recent years, this geographical
relationship has been disrupted somewhat by the need to allocate
numbers out of sequence as state populations change.

The middle two digits of a Social Security number have no special
significance, but merely serve to break the numbers into blocks
of convenient size. The last four characters represent a straight
numerical progression of assigned numbers.

SSA has issued more than 383 million Social Security numbers, and
about 6 million new numbers are assigned each year. But even at
this rate, there will be no need to reissue the same numbers,
revise the present system, or devise a new numbering system for
several generations. For this reason, SSA plans to continue using
the nine-digit number.

TYPES OF SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS

SSA issues three types of Social Security cards. The first type
of card is the card most people have, and has been issued since
1935. It shows the person's name and Social Security number, and
it lets the person work without restriction. SSA issues it to
U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens. 

The second type of card bears the legend "NOT VALID FOR
EMPLOYMENT."  SSA issues it to people from other countries who
are lawfully admitted to the United States without INS work
authorization, but who need a number because of a federal, state
or local law requiring a Social Security number to get a benefit
or service.

SSA began issuing the third type of card in 1992. It bears the
legend "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION."  It is
issued to people who are admitted to the United States on a
temporary basis with Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
authorization to work. 




PROTECTING YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND RECORDS

When you work, your Social Security number is used to record your
earnings. Here are some things you can do to protect your Social
Security record and to make sure it is accurate.

*  Show your Social Security card to your employer when you start
   a job. 

*  Check the name and Social Security number on your pay stub and
   W-2 form to make sure your name and number are correct.

*  Keep your card in a safe place but don't rely on your memory
   when furnishing your number. If you give your employer the
   wrong Social Security number, your earnings may get credited
   to some other worker.

*  Send for an earnings statement at least every three years to
   make sure your record is right. The statement is available 
   free of charge from Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER MISUSE

Sometimes more than one person uses the same Social Security
number, either on purpose or accidentally. Let us know if 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
or to give false information when applying for a number. Also,
it's illegal to alter, buy, or sell Social Security cards. Anyone
convicted of these crimes is subject to fines and/or
imprisonment.

IF SOMEONE ELSE USES YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

What Social Security Can Do

  If you suspect that someone is using your number, you should
report it to Social Security. You can check your earnings record
by calling 1-800-772-1213 and asking for a "Personal Earnings and
Benefit Estimate Statement." Your statement will show the
earnings reported for your Social Security number each year since
1951. If you find that too much or too little is reported for
your number, notify Social Security. We will help you correct
your record.  

What Social Security Cannot Do

  If your Social Security number has been used to run up bills or
obtain credit, Social Security cannot straighten out your credit
record. You must contact each creditor or credit agency yourself.
We cannot fix incorrect reports made by an employer to state
unemployment or welfare offices. You will need to contact the
state or local agency to correct your record.

Because there is no law concerning the use of a person's Social
Security number by a private individual or organization, Social
Security has no control over such use.

MISLEADING ADVERTISING PRACTICES

Some private firms sell metal or plastic Social Security cards or
offer them free as a "come on" for other business offers. 
Although these cards are not illegal, only a Social Security card
issued by the Social Security Administration is the official
verification of a person's Social Security number. However, make
sure your number is correct if you decide to use these services.

Sometimes private firms offer, for a fee, to obtain a number for
a newborn child or get a revised card for a bride showing her new
name. Generally, these businesses are not illegal, but remember
that both services are free when you contact Social Security
directly. It is illegal for private firms to use words that
seemingly represent Social Security or emblems that suggest a
government affiliation to solicit business.

If you receive something you think is illegal, turn over the
entire package, including the envelope, to your local Social
Security office or send the material to the Social Security
Administration, Office of Communications, P.O. Box 17740,
Baltimore, Maryland 21235. If you wish, you also can turn over
the material to local postal authorities.

APPLYING FOR A NEW OR REPLACEMENT CARD

If you need to a Social Security  number or want to replace your
lost or stolen card, or get a card showing your new name, call or
visit Social Security. These services are free. You will need to
complete an application and furnish one or more documents as
identification.

To get a Social Security number, you will need to provide
documents that show your identity, age, and citizenship or lawful
alien status. 

To replace your lost or stolen card, you usually need one
identifying document. To change the name on your card, you need
to show one or more documents that identify you by your old name
and your new name. If you were born outside the United States,
generally you also must show proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful
alien status. Your replacement card will have the same number as
your old card.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

You can get more information 24 hours a day by calling Social
Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. You can call for an
appointment or to 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.

If you have a touch-tone phone, recorded information and services
are available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays.
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.

Social Security publications are available to users of the
Internet. Type http://www.ssa.gov to access Internet and these
publications.

The Social Security Administration treats 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. 05-10002
October 1996

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                                A Factsheet from Social Security
_______________________________________________________________

                                Social Security Administration
                                SSA Publication No. 05-10096
                                April 1997 (Recycle prior editions)

Lawfully Admitted Aliens--When You Need 
A Social Security Number   And When You Don't
 
When A Lawfully Admitted Alien Needs A Social Security Number
 
If you are a lawfully admitted alien with Immigration and
Naturalization Service (INS) permission to work in the U.S.,
you need a Social Security number. Also, if you are a lawfully
admitted alien who does not have permission to work, federal
law requires you to have a Social Security number to enlist in
the U.S. military service. The Social Security number is used
as your military service number.
 
You May Be Required To Have A Social 
Security Number For Other Reasons
 
State and local laws that conform with federal law may require
you to give a Social Security number--even if you don't have
permission to work. The Social Security Act permits state and
local governments to use the Social Security number to
administer laws related to--
 
*   taxes,
*   general public assistance,
*   driver licensing or
*   motor vehicle registration.
 
How Do You Get A Social Security Number?
 
If you have permission to work, bring your INS documents to a
Social Security office when you apply for your Social Security 
number. If you don't have permission to work, but still need a
Social Security number, you must--
 
*   call or visit a Social Security office to apply for a
    number;
 
*   provide original documents showing your age, identity and
    lawful alien status; and
 
*   provide a letter from the government agency requiring you to
    get a Social Security number on letterhead stationary (no
    form letters or photocopies). The letter specifically must
    identify you as the applicant, cite the law requiring you to
    have a Social Security number and indicate that you meet all
    the agency's requirements, except having the Social Security
    number.
 
    If you are assigned a Social Security number for nonwork
purposes, you can't use it to work. If you use it to work, the
Social Security Administration may inform INS.
 
Are You A Dependent?
 
As a dependent, you don't need a Social Security number when
you do not have permission to work. Apply to the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS) for an Individual Taxpayer Identification
Number (ITIN). Contact IRS in person or by calling the
toll-free IRS number 1-800-TAXFORM (1-800-829-3676) and request
form W-7, "Application for an Individual Taxpayer
Identification Number."
 
    A dependent can be the child, stepchild, adopted or foster
child, parent or in-law, grandparent, brother or sister of the
taxpayer. A spouse is never considered a dependent for tax
purposes.
 
    A nonworking alien or a spouse with income such as interest,
investments or rental property must apply for an ITIN when a
tax return is filed. You can't get a Social Security number.
 
What Can You Get Without A Social Security Number
 
As a lawfully admitted alien, you can obtain many benefits and
services without having a Social Security number, even though
you are asked to give one. You don't need a Social Security
number to--
 
*   PURCHASE SAVINGS BONDS. A lawfully admitted alien may be
    designated a co-owner or beneficiary without a Social
    Security number.
 
*   CONDUCT BUSINESS WITH A BANK OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION. Ask
    for IRS form W-8, "Certificate of Foreign Status." The
    following lawfully admitted aliens and immediate family
    members don't need Social Security numbers for banking or
    monetary transactions:
 
    -    ambassadors, ministers, career diplomatic or consular
         officers;
 
    -    naval, military or other attaches of foreign embassies
         and legations;
 
    -    accredited representatives of organizations that qualify
         under the International Organization Immunities Act; and
 
    -    students attending recognized post-secondary schools or
         any training programs conducted by a federal agency.
 
    If your lawfully admitted alien classification isn't listed,
you can get an ITIN if you have lived in the U.S. more than 180
days.
 
    A family member doesn't need a Social Security number to--
 
*   REGISTER FOR SCHOOL. Schools aren't authorized to use the
    Social Security number to administer education programs and
    will assign internal numbers. A student applying for the
    SAT, GRE and other educational tests doesn't need a Social
    Security number to take the test.
 
*   REPORT GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE. Employers aren't
    required to report Social Security numbers for lawfully
    admitted alien family members who are covered by group
    health plans but don't have Social Security numbers.
 
*   APPLY FOR SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS. The parent applying for
    free or reduced-price lunch for the child(ren) can use
    his/her own number or should get a letter from Social
    Security stating no Social Security number will be assigned.
 
*   APPLY FOR HUD HOUSING. Family members age 6 and older must
    give a Social Security number or get a letter from the
    Social Security Administration stating no Social Security
    number will be assigned.
 
    Lawfully admitted alien visitors aren't eligible for student
loans, food stamps, AFDC, Medicaid and commercial driver's
licenses. Also, federal law does not permit states to use the
Social Security number to issue nondriver identification cards.
 
For More Information
 
You can get more information 24 hours a day by calling Social
Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. You can call for
an appointment or to 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.
 
    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. 
 
    Social Security information is now available on the Internet
at http://www.ssa.gov.
 
    The Social Security Administration treats 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.

----------
                                 A Factsheet from Social Security
______________________________________________________________

                                 Social Security Administration
                                 SSA Publication No. 05-10064
                                 July 1997

      When Someone Misuses Your Social Security Number
 
Most people have a Social Security number. Misuse of a person's
number can cause problems for the person whose records are
involved. Therefore, it is important that you protect both your
Social Security number and your card to prevent their misuse.
 
How You Can Protect Your Social Security Card And Your Number
 
You can protect your Social Security card and your number by
keeping your Social Security card in a safe place. However, you
should show your card to your employer so your name and
earnings can be properly reported.
 
How Social Security Protects Your Record
 
Although we can't prevent others from asking you for your
number, you should know that giving it to them doesn't give
them access to your Social Security record. The privacy of your
record is assured, unless the information is disclosed to
another agency as required by law.
 
Should I Give My Social Security Number to 
Banks, Hospitals, Schools, Other Businesses?
 
If a business or other enterprise asks for your Social Security
number, you can refuse to give it to them. They may have
another method of keeping their records. However, this may mean
doing without the benefit or service for which your number was
requested. Giving your Social Security number is voluntary,
even when you are asked for the number directly.
 
    If requested, you should ask--
 
*   why your Social Security number is needed;
 
*   how your Social Security number is going to be used;
 
*   what law requires you to give your Social Security number;
    and
 
*   what are the consequences if you refuse to give your Social
    Security number.
 
    Answers to these questions will help you decide whether you
want to give your Social Security number to get the benefit or
service. The decision is yours.
 
How Do You Know If Someone is Misusing 
Your Social Security Number To Work?
 
Check your Social Security earnings record every three years.
If you find too many or too few earnings, or your name is
recorded incorrectly, report the error to Social Security.
We'll help you correct your record.
 
    To check your earnings record, call our toll-free number, 
1-800-772-1213, to ask for a "Personal Earnings and Benefit
Estimate Statement" (PEBES). You also can download a PEBES
application from the Internet at www.ssa.gov or visit your
local Social Security field office.
 
Is Someone Misusing Your Social Security Number?
 
If you suspect someone is misusing your Social Security number,
report it to the Office of Inspector General hotline number, 
1-800-269-0271.
 
What If Someone Misuses Your Social 
Security Number To Obtain Credit?
 
If your Social Security number has been misused by someone to
obtain credit, SOCIAL SECURITY CANNOT FIX YOUR CREDIT RECORD.
To resolve your credit problems, you need to contact the
institution that authorized the credit and issued a credit
card, as well as the major credit reporting agencies.  Obtain a
copy of your credit report and ask that an alert be placed on
your credit record requiring that you be contacted before
credit is extended using your name and Social Security number.
Three major credit reporting agencies are--
 
    *    Equifax--1-800-525-6285
    *    Trans Union--1-800-680-7289; and
    *    Experian--1-800-301-7195
 
    Work with each credit bureau, creditor, employer and
government agency involved to remove inaccurate information
from your records. You should continue checking your credit
report annually for inaccuracies.
 
    Keep copies of your correspondence, records of your
telephone calls and other documents verifying your efforts to
correct the problem.
 
Can You Get A New Social Security Number 
If Your Number Has Been Misused
 
Under certain circumstances, Social Security may assign you a
new Social Security number if, after making all efforts to
resolve the problems caused by someone else's misuse of your
Social Security number, you are still being disadvantaged by
the misuse. There is no guarantee that a new number will
resolve your problem.
 
    A new Social Security number will NOT be assigned if you--
 
*   are trying to avoid the law or your legal responsibility;
 
*   intend to avoid disclosure of a poor credit or criminal
    record when you are at fault:
 
*   have no proof that someone else caused the problem: or
 
*   have lost your Social Security card or it was stolen but
    there is no evidence that your Social Security number is
    being misused AND you are being disadvantaged by that
    misuse.
 
    If you can documents that you are being disadvantaged
because of the misuse of your Social Security number, visit
your local Social Security field office to request a new Social
Security number