[spindle]

Right, this is crazy. I'm a US citizen but don't have an SSN and couldn't get one last time I tried.

[divbzero]

Somehow I’ve assumed every US citizen has an SSN. Are there obstacles you encounter from not having an SSN? What is the process for opening bank accounts or applying for loans?

[toomuchtodo]

Did you not apply for one? You’re eligible as a citizen or eligible resident. I have so many questions about this edge case.

[jolux]

Every citizen is supposed to be given an SSN.

[crysin]

Parents can opt out of having an SSN issued for a child at birth in the US.

[jolux]

Sure, but why would they? I can’t think of a good reason.

Regardless all citizens are eligible and should be given an SSN if they apply.

[Kye]

Parents do all kinds of things with the intention of protecting their children. Not all of it is well-informed.

[nikolay]

You don't need an SSN before a certain age, so this isn't weird.

[jolux]

Sure it's weird. It's easy enough to do when the child is born, why wait?