How do I apply to add a child to my Social Security Disability benefits?

I think you misread the letter. You cannot file for child's benefits online. Call 1-800-772-1213 and make an appointment to file a claim for your new child (congrats by the way) either over the phone or in the office. If you live near the office I strongly suggest that you file in the office since it will be processed more quickly.

Teddy is wrong. In order to entitle a child to benefits an application must be filed for that child - it's called an "Application for Child's Benefits" and one must be filed for every single child entitled on an account. The applications are filed by the adult who will receive the benefits. If you have a terminal condition or don't expect to live long I recommend that your wife be the one to file the claim - that way if you die there will be no interruption in the payment of benefits.

Also the benefits for children are IN ADDITION TO your benefit; they are NOT ADDED TO YOUR BENEFIT. If social security were still paying benefits via paper checks you would get a separate check for your child (Name of Payee) for (Name of Child) or if you had several children you would receive a check as follows "(Name of Payee) for children of (Name of parent receiving benefits off of)."

As for evidence needed, Teddy is correct. Social Security must see the certified documents and proof of your identity as well. They need the child's social security number - can't take a claim without it.

COUNTY WELFARE hasn't a thing to do with the taking and processing of social security or SSI claims - it's all social security. I don't know where Flower gets that crap sometimes.

Go to SSA's website and find out the address and hours of your local office. Then go in and tell the receptions you have an infant daughter and need to file a claim. Your daughter's social security number is helpful but not absolutely necessary; you do need your own SSN.

If your daughter does not live with you SSA will probably want to make her mother the payee. You can still file and then the mother can come in and file as payee.

SSA's computer generated notices are confusing to say the least. SSA programers use a lot of jargon and some makes no sense at all. But the important thing is that you need to file a claim. You can make an appointment but you do not have to. And get in early enough so you will not be turned away because the office is closing. Filing the claim is very important.

Finally, if you do not live with the daughter and the court has or may order child support you can ask the court to accept your daughter's social security benefit as child support. The decision is up to the court but courts frequently will accept the Social Benefit and not order child support.

You were misinformed:

Applying for Child’s Benefits

To apply for benefits for your child, you must call the SSA or go into your local field office. You can find your field office on the SSA’s website by entering your zip code into the field locator. You will need proof that your child is eligible (birth certificate or adoption papers plus her Social Security number). You cannot get benefits for a child without both.

Added: You do not apply for your daughter. You get the benefits, she is added to your benefits. She does not submit a stand alone application. They need to see the original birth certificate.

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What site did you go to? Is this for SSI based on disabiity or SSDI for permanent disability? The first one you must go to your county welfare office, the second one the social security office.

Hospitals and doctors generally have access to social working departments for families dealing with serious medical conditions like your son. They're knowledgeable about different options and can best guide you in accordance with your circumstances. Go seek them out. Good luck. So sorry for you and your baby.