Kokua Line

By Hildegaard Verploegen

Wednesday, April 24, 1996

Question: Where do we get a Social Security card for our baby after it is born? What is the fee?


Answer: If you choose a name before the infant leaves the hospital, the hospital will take care of the application and the card will be mailed by Social Security to your address within eight to 12 weeks, said Pat Balvin, field representative in Honolulu.

If you're undecided and the baby comes home without a name, you'll need to apply at a Social Security office or by mail. The Social Security administration provides application forms. You'll need to complete the application, provide an original or certified copy of the child's birth certification, possibly a hospital or doctor's bill with the child's name on it, and some proof of the identification of the father or the mother. The ID of a parent must be an original; for example, the mother's drivers license - not a photocopy of it.

There is no charge for Social Security cards. Parents should remember that Social Security cards are free and not fall prey to individuals or organizations who offer to get cards for babies and charge $20 to $25 for getting the card.


Other items in today's Kokua Line:

- Vital records open only to certain relatives
- Mahalo and Auwe

Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686, fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802. Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com

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