Dear Editor: The answer to the above is yes. A child needs a social security number for many reasons: To be claimed as a dependent on a tax return, to be shown on a bank account or savings bond, to obtain medical coverage or to become eligible for government services. There’s no cost and it’s simple to get a social security number. The easiest way to apply for a child’s number is at the hospital when the child is born. When you furnish information to register your baby’s birth, the hospital representative should ask if you want to apply for a social security number for your baby. If the representative doesn’t ask, it’s okay for you to say that you want a social security number for your baby. Whenever you apply for a social security number for a child under age 18, you need to provide the parents’ social security numbers. You can still apply for a number for the child and we’ll still be able to assign the child a social security number without the parents’ social security numbers if the parent does not have a social security number or the parent’s social security number is not known. If you wait to apply for your baby’s social security number, you need to fill out an application (you need to give both parents’ social security numbers); show evidence of your child’s age, identity and citizenship and show evidence of your identity. Your baby’s social security card is an important document. Keep it is a safe place. If you lose the card, we’ll replace it at no charge. If you have any questions about getting your baby a social security number, check our website, www.ssa.gov, or call at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to speak to a representative. Yvonne Bryant Social Security Manager, Jersey City