The Social Security Administration announced a first-of-its-kind commemorative card for newborns born between July 2 and December 31, 2026, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The limited-edition Freedom 250 cards will feature the official Freedom 250 logo in black ink, marking the recipient’s birth during the nation’s 250th year.
The commemorative cards will be issued automatically to eligible newborns through the Enumeration at Birth (EAB) program, which allows parents at hospitals, birthing centers, or those using licensed midwives to request a Social Security number during the birth registration process. The cards are identical in function to standard Social Security cards but carry the special patriotic design.
“Freedom 250 is a celebration of America’s storied history and the monumental moments that have shaped our nation, including the creation of Social Security over 90 years ago,” said Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “The next generation of Americans born during this historic year will receive limited-edition Social Security cards bearing the Freedom 250 logo.”
How the Program Works
The EAB program has issued Social Security numbers to newborns since 1987 as a partnership between the SSA, hospitals, and state vital records offices. More than 3.5 million children are born in the United States each year, and the vast majority now receive their Social Security numbers through this streamlined process rather than requiring parents to apply separately after birth.
The commemorative cards will be produced at no additional cost to families or taxpayers. The official Freedom 250 designation applies only to original cards issued through the EAB program during the July 2 – December 31, 2026, window; replacement cards and duplicate cards issued outside this period will not carry the commemorative design, regardless of when the child was born.
The SSA warned that it will never call, text, or email requesting payment for a commemorative card. Parents do not need to apply, register, or provide any information beyond what is already collected through the standard EAB program. Suspicious communications claiming to be from the SSA should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report or 1-800-269-0271.
Sources
- Social Security Administration — Official press release announcing the Freedom 250 commemorative cards for newborns born July 2 – December 31, 2026, with details on the EAB program, cost, and Commissioner Bisignano’s statement
- NBC News — Reporting on the Freedom 250 cards as a Trump administration initiative for infants born during America’s 250th year
- Fox News — Coverage of the limited-edition cards featuring the Freedom 250 logo, issued to millions of eligible newborns
