If you or someone you know is expecting a new baby, Social Security is offering its annual reminder about getting the child a Social Security Card.

Jack Myers with Social Security says the process has really become streamlined as it is probably one of the last things a young parent is probably thinking about. He explains oftentimes, the hospital staff where the child is born will ask if you want to apply for a Social Security card and then take care of a lot of the heavy lifting in the process.

It generally takes about 3-4 weeks to receive the Social Security card in Illinois. The Social Security card will be mailed to the address you gave the hospital. According to Myers, if you move in the meantime, the Post Office will forward the card as long as you put in a forwarding order, but that will likely add some additional time.  

Myers stresses applying for the number before you leave the hospital is as easy as checking a box and it will save you time and energy that you are going to need.