[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?

[nikolay]

My daughter had her SSN used when she was around 10, and I can't recall her ever needing her SSN as it's no longer required for things like medical insurance, etc.