Can I use my sons birth certificate in replace of social

Unfortunately, the only way you can claim your son as a dependent and receive the full possible tax benefit, is if your son has a Social Security Number.

There is a common practice to apply for social security numbers with the birth certificate application in the hospital. If this is something you elected to do, the social security card should be coming in the mail. If not, you will need to go to your local Social Security Administration office with the birth certificate.

From Social Security Numbers for Children

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; and

• Show us original documents proving your child’s

• —U.S. citizenship;

• —Age; and

• —Identity.

Show us documents proving your identity and your relationship to the child.

NOTE: In some localities, the post office will not deliver your child’s card unless the child’s name is on your mailbox. Children age 12 or older: Anyone age 12 or older who requests an original Social Security number must appear in 4 person for an interview, even if a parent or guardian will sign the application on the child’s behalf.

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.