Can I Claim a Child Who Doesn't Have a Social Security Number?

A child must have a valid Social Security number (SSN) issued before the due date of your return (including extensions) to qualify for the Child Tax Credit. Without an SSN, you may still be able to claim the child as a dependent using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — but this won't make you eligible for the Child Tax Credit or the Earned Income Tax Credit. Apply for an SSN at the hospital when the child is born or through the Social Security Administration. If you're waiting for an SSN, request a filing extension so you don't lose the credit by filing with an ITIN and then getting a retroactive SSN.