Q: I was born in Philadelphia ps in 2001 at home. I have 12 siblings that have an ssn but I do not.

A: The best place to find out about the evidence requirements to obtain a Social Security number and card is at 20 CFR 422.107. See https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/422/422-0107.htm. To obtain an original Social Security number card, you must submit convincing evidence of:

1. your age,

2. U.S. citizenship or alien status, and

3. identity.

Since you don't have a birth certificate, you prove evidence of your age by providing hospital birth record before age 5, or a religious record which shows your date of birth and was recorded before age 5.Other convincing evidence that shows your date of birth or age at a certain time such as: an original family bible or family record; school records; census records; a statement signed by the physician or midwife who was present at your birth; insurance policies; a marriage record; a passport; an employment record; a delayed birth certificate, your child's birth certificate; or an immigration or naturalization record.

Proof of U.S. citizenship can be made by providing a document that shows the U.S. as your place of birth, such as would be on a U.S. Passport. Social Security will accept verification from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of State, or Federal or State court records confirming citizenship.

Proof of your identity is made submitting a document that shows your age and date of birth or parents' names, or your photograph or physical description. Examples of documents that would prove your identity include a driver's license, state-issued non-driver identification card, school record, medical record, marriage record, passport, or Department of Homeland Security document.

The documents you present to Social Security must be original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. Social Security does not accept photocopies or notarized copies. Expired documents are also generally not acceptable. Social Security may use one document for two purposes. For example, they may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity. But, you must provide at least two separate documents to meet the requirements. It is a good idea to bring more documents that are absolutely required. Call your Social Security field office and request an appointment to come in so that you will be able to keep your original or certiifed documents with you.