ssn - who needs it - kids?
 

i just thought of this odd question and hope someone would be able to advise!

obviously my husband and I will need to get a ssn once we arrive - but do i need to get one for the kids too (aged <1 and >3) - ie - will they need them to open a kids savings account or see a doctor or something. Or at what sort of age does it become appropriate to need/have a ssn?

Re: ssn - who needs it - kids?
 

As L1 kids, don't think they even qualify till you adjust status. It may cause you a few headaches, but not too many at that age.

Re: ssn - who needs it - kids?
 

If you are paying US taxes, doesn't every kid need a SSN to be eligible for you to claim them as a deduction? For USCs and GCs that is the case--not sure of the tax status of L1s so I thought I'd just throw it out there.

Re: ssn - who needs it - kids?
 

You use a Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for dependents who aren't eligible for a SSN. Actually getting one is deliberately made to be a complete pain, but it can be done.

Re: ssn - who needs it - kids?
 

on a slightly off topic subject - whilst looking at one of the ssn links someone else posted - i noticed they had a section on the website for social securtiy issues outsde of the US. ie they had a department listed in England (part of grosevnor Sq). Has anyone ever tried getting a ssn from there rather than waiting?

Re: ssn - who needs it - kids?
 

That's no use for you. You need to apply here after you've arrived -- wait 2 weeks to ensure that your details have filtered through the system and are sitting in the right database.

Re: ssn - who needs it - kids?
 

My husband (L1) had to wait 2 weeks after arriving before going to the local Social Security office to apply for his SSN. I was refused a SSN until I had my EAD card. As mentioned in a previous reply children of L1 are not entitled to a SSN but for tax purposes they should have a TIN number.

Children do not need SSN to enrol at school, doctors etc.