YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY
By DAVID BROWN

Are you among the approximately one in 10 parents who last year did not apply for a Social Security number for their newborns before leaving the hospital? If so, you should know that you will need a Social Security number to claim your newest family member as a dependent on your Federal tax return.

Mr. Brown is District Manager of the Social Security Administration's Downtown New York Office.

Here is what you need to do to get a new Social Security number.

Complete an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5). This form is available on-line at www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html . If you do not have on-line access, you can request a form by calling Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, or visiting a local Social Security office.

You also will need to provide documents that prove both your and your child's identity, and documents that show your child's U.S. citizenship and age. All of these documents must be either originals or copies of originals that are certified by the issuing agency. We do not accept copies or notarized copies of documents.

Keep in mind there are strict requirements for which documents Social Security can accept to prove citizenship and identity. For example, only certain documents can be accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of Citizenship. In addition, Social Security will need to verify your child's birth record before you can be issued a card.

You must take or mail the completed Form SS-5 to the nearest Social Security office, together with the originals or certified copies of your supporting documents.

We will return your original documents right away, and we will then mail a Social Security card as soon as your documents are verified, which can take several weeks.

Once you have a Social Security number for your newborn, you should safeguard that number, as well as the numbers of other family members. Keep that card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet.