[adobe1234]

Just wondering how it all works. Do we need to wait until finalization before getting a SSN for our adopted son? What documents will we need to apply for a SSN for him? Also, I heard you need a SSN before opening a 529 plan--but have not checked into this really yet. We'd appreciate any input from people who have done all this already. Thanks!

[Fran27]

You need the amended birth certificate and the finalization papers to get a SSN.

[sbaglio]

Originally Posted by adobe1234

Just wondering how it all works. Do we need to wait until finalization before getting a SSN for our adopted son? What documents will we need to apply for a SSN for him? Also, I heard you need a SSN before opening a 529 plan--but have not checked into this really yet. We'd appreciate any input from people who have done all this already. Thanks!

You'll find that the requirements for an SSN application seem to be all over the place. The requirements are meant to be standardized, but they aren't.

My best advice would be to take everything you can think of that might be helpful: original birth certificate (if you have it), amended birth certificate (if you have it), adoption decree, passport (if you have it), immunization record, etc.

We live in MD, and at the office we went to (I believe it varies by office, even), they asked only for the original birth certificate, adoption decree, and some other identification (I had her passport).

You don't need an SSN to start a 529 plan for your child - we didn't.

Good luck.

[SupaModel]

We needed amended BC, Immun Rec's and adotion decree.

[millie58]

I had original birth certificate and adoption decree and SS worker wanted more ID so I pulled out the medical cards. I also tried getting new numbers but was told that since they know they're adopted, it couldn't be done. I have 2 sets of brothers who both have adopted siblings who were able to get new numbers. Go figure!!

[Asha0314]

I needed my state ID, the amended birth certificate, court finalization papers (I think that's the same as the adoption decree), and medical papers showing immunizations. My local office would not accept copies, either. They wanted to see all originals. I suggest you call your local office and asked them directly. It may change from state to state.

[soonersfan]

You need to have a social security number or tax identification number to start a 529, and the beneficiary must have a SSN.

[OakShannon]

In some states it can take a long time to get an amended BC and I've heard that people are often told that you can't get a SSN without it. YOU CAN! Our social worker warned us and told us to be stubborn and ask for a supervisor if the first person we talked to said we need the amended BC. So that's what I did. Even on the website it says that an adoption decree will do. And I agree with Fazdi. Bring every scrap of paper that you DO have.

[Amaurosis]

We needed a birth certificate, final adoption decree, and immunization record.

FYI, you can get an appointment with your local SSA office by calling the main number (1-800-772-1213), so you don't have to wait in line for hours.

[sbaglio]

Originally Posted by soonersfan

You need to have a social security number or tax identification number to start a 529, and the beneficiary must have a SSN.

The beneficiary only needs an SSN if he/she is older than one year of age.

[soonersfan]

Originally Posted by sbaglio

The beneficiary only needs an SSN if he/she is older than one year of age.

Oh! All the literature we received and the internet information said the beneficiary had to have a SSN so we waited until we got one for our son to start his 529. Otherwise, we would have opened one immediately. Oh well! He has one now.

[sbaglio]

Maybe it depends on your state, I don't know. For the MD 529 plan, that is the stipulation. Perhaps there are provisions for infants who don't have SSNs because it can take forever to get the amended birth certificate in some states, and parents may want to apply for the adoption tax credit and their infants don't have an SSN yet (you can get a temporary identification number in this case).

[adobe1234]

Thanks for everyone who replied. What consitutes an immunization record? Do you need an original form prepared by the doctor's office? Or will photocopies showing doctor visit progress notes be OK?
Thanks.

[Fran27]

They didn't ask for immunization records for us. Well, they did, but I didn't have them, so our insurance card worked too.

[sugarmuffin]

I agree with everyone and anyone saying that take everything you have and then call to make sure its enough. :-) you will save yourself alot of hassle that way