The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently reversed a policy change that had temporarily required parents to visit federal offices to register their newborns for Social Security numbers.
This decision reinstates the longstanding “Enumeration at Birth” (EAB) program, allowing in-hospital registration for newborns.
The brief policy shift had raised concerns among healthcare professionals and parents due to the additional burdens it imposed.
Background – Enumeration at Birth Program
Since the late 1980s, the EAB program has enabled parents to apply for their child’s Social Security number directly at the hospital following birth.
This streamlined process ensured that nearly all newborns received their Social Security numbers promptly, facilitating timely access to essential services such as health insurance and tax benefits.
Temporary Policy Change and Its Implications
In early March 2025, the SSA announced the suspension of the EAB program in Maine, requiring parents to apply for their newborns’ Social Security numbers at local SSA offices.
This abrupt change led to widespread criticism from medical professionals and public officials, who highlighted the undue burden placed on families, especially those in rural areas with limited access to SSA offices.
Criticism from Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare providers expressed significant concerns regarding the policy change. Dr. Joe Anderson, advocacy chair of the Maine chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, stated that eliminating the EAB program “creates a lot of unnecessary and unfair burdens for families.”
He emphasized the inefficiency of requiring parents and newborns to visit crowded SSA offices when the previous system had functioned effectively for decades.
Reversal of the Policy
Following the backlash, Acting SSA Commissioner Leland Dudek rescinded the earlier directive, reinstating the EAB program in Maine.
He acknowledged that ending the program “created an undue burden on the people of Maine,” which was not the intent, and apologized for the decision.
Impact on Other States
While Maine experienced a direct impact from the policy change, other states also faced uncertainties. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) website indicated canceled EAB contracts in five states—Arizona, Maryland, Michigan, New Mexico, and Rhode Island—as well as the Northern Mariana Islands.
However, these cancellations appeared related to the collection of race and ethnicity data rather than a complete termination of the EAB program. nbcwashington.com+2pressherald.com+2apnews.com+2
Comparison of Enumeration at Birth (EAB) Program Status
| Aspect | Before Policy Change | After Policy Change | After Policy Reversal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration Location | Hospital | SSA Office | Hospital |
| Convenience for Parents | High | Low | High |
| Health Risks | Minimal (controlled hospital environment) | Increased (public SSA offices) | Minimal (controlled hospital environment) |
| Access to Benefits | Timely | Potential Delays | Timely |
| Public Response | Positive | Negative | Positive |
This table illustrates the impact of the policy change and subsequent reversal on various aspects of the SSN registration process for newborns.
The SSA’s swift reversal of the policy change underscores the importance of the EAB program in simplifying the process for parents to obtain Social Security numbers for their newborns.
This incident highlights the need for careful consideration of policy changes that can significantly impact families and healthcare providers.
FAQs
What is the Enumeration at Birth (EAB) program?
The EAB program allows parents to apply for their newborn’s Social Security number directly at the hospital after birth, streamlining the process and ensuring timely access to essential services.
Why was the EAB program temporarily suspended in Maine?
The SSA briefly suspended the EAB program in Maine, requiring parents to visit SSA offices to register their newborns. The specific reasons for this suspension were not publicly detailed.
Is the EAB program currently active nationwide?
Yes, following the reinstatement in Maine, the EAB program remains active across all states, allowing in-hospital registration of newborns for Social Security numbers.