Do I Need a Birth Certificate to Get SSI Benefits?

Takeaways

• The Social Security Administration does not strictly require a birth certificate to prove age for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits; other evidence is acceptable.
• Proof of age is categorized as “preferred evidence” (like a birth certificate recorded before age 5) and “other evidence” (such as school, census, or passport records).
• If an SSI application is denied, the applicant can appeal the decision through several steps, including reconsideration, a hearing with an administrative law judge, and a review with an appeals court.

Is it possible to qualify for Social Security benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) without a birth certificate? The short answer is yes. However, it may depend on what evidence you are able to provide to the Social Security Administration (SSA) about your age.

Types of Evidence

The SSA will accept two types of evidence to prove age and date of birth. SSA regulations explain the two types: preferred evidence and other evidence. Types of preferred evidence include a birth certificate or a hospital birth record that was recorded before age 5 or a religious record that shows the date of birth and was recorded before age 5.

If a type of preferred evidence is not available, other convincing evidence that shows the date of birth or age during a certain time may suffice. Examples include the following:

• school records
• census records
• immigration or naturalization records
• employment records
• a passport
• a delayed birth certificate
• an original family bible or family record

The SSA’s Program Operations Manual System (POMS) is another resource that provides details regarding proof of age requirements. However, the POMS is a highly technical manual. SSA employees and legal professionals commonly use it to navigate SSA rules regarding Social Security as they assist benefits applicants, clients, and their family members.

What to Do if Your Application Is Denied

If the SSA denies your benefits application, there are steps you can take to appeal the decision. First, ask the SSA to reconsider their decision. If that doesn’t work, you can request a hearing with an administrative law judge. If you don’t agree with the judge’s decision, you can request a review with an appeals court.

The final step is to file a federal district court action with the U.S. District Court. Having an experienced attorney or qualified advocate represent you during this process is a good idea.

Additional Reading

For additional reading on topics related to Social Security benefits, check out the following articles:

• Can I Collect Social Security and Still Work?
• The Basics of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Social Security Simplifies Online SSI Application
• How to Prepare to Apply for Social Security Disability
• When to Notify the SSA of Changes in Your Life