How easily this can happen was a bit of a surprise to me, and how the Social Security Administration (SSA) facilitates the process was, too.

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If you do not have a Social Security Number for your dependent, and your dependent qualifies for a Social Security Number, you need to file a form SS5, Application for a Social Security Card (downloads as a pdf), with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

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From these Web sites, users wanting to find information about Social Security need to know to click on the link to the Social Security Administration and then navigate SSA's Web site.

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