Whilst filling out SIN card application with Mrs Squibbler I noticed the reference to signing as a parent if the application was on behalf of a child. Hmmmm, never gave this any thought before but the question that now bugs me is: Do children (regardless of age/status) require a SIN number?. I thought the SIN was only for taxation / benefits etc a la National Insurance - which if memory serves was only issued at the age of 16 in the UK

We were advised to apply for a SIN number for each family member, including our children. At least they have a number now should it be required.

Deborah

Someone asked this before, and I can't find it on a search now I think the answer was that it was only needed for a child if they had a certain kind of savings/trust account, can't remember the specifics...but it's definitely not needed for your usual kind of thing like getting child tax benefit.

If you get your kids an RESP then you will need a SIN card for each child.

That's what it was Thanks for that, was going to bug me all day...!

Also if the child is recipient of a disability (or perhaps other) benefit; a tax return must be filed for the child and that needs a SIN. (That's a nightmare of bureaucracy, btw, even compared with immigration, the accountant's and doctor's fees to deal with the return usually exceed the value of the benefit). There's also a possible advantage to children filing tax returns on part time jobs even if they're not going to be taxed as they can build up RSP eligibility.

Also a employer can not hire a teenager who does not have a SIN card so kids can loose out on a good pt or summer job if they don't have their SIN and employer won't wait until they get it

Island Girl