An application for an original SSN card may be completed through EAB. SSA offers the
EAB program through State Vital Statistics Offices. This program assigns SSNs to newborns
as part of the hospital birth registration process.
When the hospital representative asks for information to complete the birth certificate,
they also ask the parents if they would like the State's vital statistics office to
forward information to SSA to assign an SSN. If the parent agrees, the hospital representative
checks a block on the form indicating that the parent wants an SSN assigned to their
child.
The hospital forwards this information to the State's vital statistics office along
with birth certificate information.
The State vital statistics office then provides SSA with an electronic record used
to assign an SSN and issue a card. The parent's signature on the birth registration
form and the check in the block indicating the parent wants an SSN for the child constitute
a valid application for an SSN.
NOTE: No microfilm SS-5 or electronic application exists when a record is created through
EAB. "Form Code (FMC): 6 - Enumeration at Birth (EAB)" appears on the NUMIDENT when a record is established
via EAB.