When a child in the United States reaches the age of 12, he or she becomes eligible to apply for a social security number. A social security number is a unique number used by the federal government to identify the citizens of the United States. If you want your child to avail of related tax breaks like the child tax credit and the dependent exemption to be claimed on your income taxes, your child must have a social security number.

Social Security Card

A social security card is given to all citizens and permanent residents of the United States. It has a nine-digit number called the social security number and the cardholder's name on it. To apply for a Social Security card, you must fill out an SS-5 form or use the application filing service.


Social Security Taxes:

You must obtain your Social Security number and start paying your Social Security taxes once you begin to work in the United States. Your employers will withhold and credit your social security taxes to the IRS. You are responsible for crediting your social security taxes to the IRS if you are self-employed.

The main benefit of paying your Social Security taxes is that when you reach the age of 62, you can begin receiving your Social Security retirement benefits. If you become disabled during your tenure, you will be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

While getting hired:

You will have to provide your social security number to your employer. The employer will report your income to the IRS. He will also use your social security number for state income tax reporting.

When opening an account in the United States:

You will need a social security number to open a report in the United States. The first thing your banking official will ask you is for your social security number. With this social security number, your entire lifetime income will be tracked.

When applying for a Driver’s License:

When you ask for the driver’s license, you can provide your social security number. It can be used to verify your identity and citizenship.

When you apply for the Federal Loan:

In case if you apply for any federal loan, you will be asked for your social security number. The government, with the help of the name, will check your eligibility for the credit.

Limitations:

You must keep your Social Security card very safely, not only because of the high risk of identity theft but also because of the limitations that the Social Security Administration has in replacing it.

You are allowed to apply three times in a calendar year for a replacement of your social security card and ten substitutions throughout your lifetime.