Social Security Numbers
As expressed in a letter drafted by Felix Fornino, President of the New York City Chapter of the Adoptive Parents Committee, Inc., adoptive parents have been encountering numerous obstacles when attempting to obtain SSNs for their adopted children, particularly when the children are under one year of age. Mr. Fornino points out that for a variety of reasons (for instance, required six-month waiting periods preceding finalization, court backlogs, etc.) many infant adoptions are not finalized until after children have had their first birthday. However, because birth certificates are not issued until after finalization, adoptive parents have at times been unable to satisfy Social Security Officers demanding them. This places the parents in direct violation of the Internal Revenue Service requirement that all dependent children be assigned an SSN by their first birthday.
In clarifying the matter, the SSA replied that, in general, applicants for an original SSN are required to submit evidence of age, U.S. Citizenship or lawful alien status, and true identity. At least two documents are required to establish these three factors. For adopted children without an available birth certificate, adoption finalization papers showing the child's name, date of birth, domestic place of birth, judge's signature, and raised seal of the clerk of court can be used to establish age and U.S. Citizenship. However, when necessary, a Court Order of Temporary Custody can also be used for these purposes. Another document, such as a medical record, can also be used for these purposes. If none of these documents are available, the SSA will work with adoptive parents on an individual basis to find other forms of acceptable evidence.
According to the SSA, officials in all field offices have been reminded/informed of these specific documentation requirements.
