What is the process of changing Social Security # when you adopt?

Question

Please read before jumping on me. We have had our foster son, who we hope to adopt in the near future, since he was 2 days old. He was born positive for drugs and mom has not been found since discharge. They were supposed to send his SSI card to CFS but we think it got sent to moms last address. People use kids identity all the time to put on utilities then not pay them and that messes up kids credit before they even get a chance. I know it is possible to have the # changed during adoption but when? Is it at the time of the adoption when we change the last name. Is it through the SSI office. Do we need to show proof that is has been used or is the fear of it being used enough.

I know normally you just take the adoption papers to SSI and you show the name change and get a new card but same number like when a person gets married but how do I change the number

Answer 1

Interesting question.  I would not have thought of this.

I can see where waiting until the adoption is final before changing the SSN might not be the wisest course, if you feel that your foster son is in danger of identity theft.  

Can CPS file the papers to change the SSN, since they have the official "say so" until the adoption is completed?

Answer 2

Yes, you should be able to take the papers to the SS office and they will help you change the number.  It is done all of the time in cases like yours.

Answer 3

The adoption has to be completed, before you can change his SS#.

The adoption worker should be able to help you.

Good Luck!!!!!!!

Answer 4

I haven't ever heard of someones ssn being changed, you will have to ask at your local ss office.  

Answer 5

if the child is under 14 years old, you take the adoption decree and new birth record (the one with you listed as mom)  to SSA office... you state you don't know his old number and that this is all you have ... it really isn't lieing as actually they are supposed to assign a new non attached to old number SS#, but most of the workers there don't know that...

it is different then just getting a name change... this is offically a new person to the government...

Yes, I know all the adoptee's won't like that... but there have been issue locally with birth parents using kids info to buy cars, etc...

you don't want the old number attached to the new one... they'll do that if you give reference to the old SS# and it will also make it hard to get a passport, etc...

SSI (is a check for people with disabilities)  if the child gets that, you'll have to reapply under new information ( however, in most states, you could not adopt if your income is low enough to qualify for you child to have SSI)

Answer 6

Once you get a new birth certificate then you just go to the SS office and apply for a new card.  Good luck, we are also hoping to adopt our son after a very long battle!!!!!

Answer 7

We went through this. We took our adopted son home from the hospital at 48 hours old, and were told not to apply for a SSN for him until the adoption was final (at 6 months). When I went to our local ss office after finalization, I was told he already had a social security number, under a different name (we'd changed his name at finalization) and with different parents listed. We think what happened is that the hospital filed the papers for the ssn, not realizing it would have to be undone when the adoption was final (they knew he was being placed for adoption, we had a very open adoption).

I had to give them a copy of his new birth certificate, a copy of the adoption decree, and I believe a copy of mine and my husband's birth certificates as well. It took months, but we finally got his ss card in the mail. The original # he had was cancelled.

Check the social security website - there's some information on there about what you'll need when you go to the ss office. Overall, it wasn't too painful, just a long wait!

Hope that helps!