MIL needs LO SS#?

lorist202

Good Afternoon Ladies,
So... when DS was born, my MIL asked for DS SS# for the purpose of purchasing savings bonds for him.  I never saw one.  I've bought savings bonds before and don't recall ever needing a SS# I don' t think.

She is a generous lady and has no other grandchildren, but she's also constantly crossing boundaries.  Does anyone have any knowledge of a trust fund or other account that would require the recipient's SS# or even birth certificate?  I'm not well versed on that kind of thing at all.  We have a new DD and in anticipation of her asking again, I want to be armed with some knowledge.  As much as I appreciate her generous intentions, I'm just not comfortable throwing around my children's personal information....  Any advice would be appreciated!

SunAndRain

The ONLY time I've needed another's SSN was to add them as beneficiaries to my investments.

But to gift stocks, bonds...no. She doesn't need a SSN.

Since you asked for advice...since MIL routinely crosses boundaries it is up to you to set them. And I wouldn't rely on DH. If he does it, great. But if he doesn't then I wouldn't use that as an excuse to not simply tell MIL, "I prefer to keep LO's SSN confidential.  Your gift is an incredibly generous offer, however if it cannot be purchased with this # then I totally understand."

emberlee3

Did she set up a 529? I think my parents set up 529s for my kids. My ILs send us checks to deposit in the accounts we established.

TheBorg7of9

I am not sure how savings bonds work.  My MIL wanted to give us money for the kids, so we set up the accounts and then she was able to contribute to them.  Personally, I am not sure that savings bonds are really the best investment.

Katie829

My MIL set up a 529 plan and savings bonds and needed DDs ssn. I'm not concerned.

Pips09

You do not need a SSN to purchase a savings bond. I believe you would need one to open an account in that person's name, but why would your MIL be doing that? Just shut her down when she asks, especially if you know she has boundary issues. A SSN is not something you should give out to anyone who doesn't legitimately need it.

HisChamaoleGirl

I have put my god children as beneficiaries for life insurance policies and was required to include SSN. Just a thought.

Is there a reason you haven't straight out asked her?  

shannm

I know how you feel. I had an older aunt ask for my kids SSN and it was savings bond related. Maybe there is an optional field that is driving this request?

cecilyandgautam

You can put a freeze on your kids' credit so no new accounts, and no credit checks, can be run on their SSN without the passcode - which you obviously would not share with anyone. 

If your MIL wants to contribute to the grandkids' 529s, I have a Virginia account and every year they send me a little slip book with what look like bank deposit slips that simply allow anyone to write a check, mail it in with one of these slips, and it will go directly into DD's account without it going through us. Maybe you could ask your 529 if they offer such booklets and give MIL one next time she asks for the SSN, that way she doesn't have to go through you to deposit funds. 

I actually would love to not be the intermediary of 529 birthday contributions but haven't figured out a non-awkward, non-obnoxious way to give the booklet to my parents. So if your MIL is giving you an in, by saying she needs info to open an account, then that's your non-awkward way of saying - here, use this instead. It both establishes some boundaries but also gives your MIL the freedom to contribute whenever she likes and she doesn't have to run it by you first. 

Virgo17

My MIL asked for it when my oldest was a baby for the same purpose.  I didn't think twice about giving it to her, but I trust her.  Maybe they used to required it back in the day but don't now?

Curls218

My dad needed DS's (and nephews') SS#  when he purchased savings bonds.

Mustardseed2007

Yeah MIL and FIL opened a 529 for DS and DD and needed their socials. I wasn't worried about it, she's very trust worthy.

SoMoNY

My folks have the boys SS#s, they needed them for life insurance plans

bunny731

You should trust your instincts. I trust my family, but I don't give out their numbers. If you are going to give the number I recommend the freeze to the ss# which you have to establish with several agencies. You can temporarily lift the freeze if necessary.

Muffins_Mom

https://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/planning/plan_gifts.htm

According to the Treasury Department website, you need an SSN to give a savings bond as a gift.

Ihope

I have needed ss#'s when purchasing bonds.

seells

All of DDs grandparents have asked for her social to make her a beneficiary on their retirement/investments/etc. I do believe you need a social for a bond.