The Social Security Administration announced a first-of-its-kind commemorative card for babies born in the United States between July 2 and December 31, 2026, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with the official Freedom 250 logo printed in black ink.
The limited-edition cards will function identically to standard Social Security cards but carry the commemorative designation exclusively for original cards issued through the Enumeration at Birth (EAB) program during the qualifying period, according to the SSA’s July 1 announcement.
“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 in the official statement. “The next generation of Americans born during this historic year will receive limited-edition Social Security cards bearing the Freedom 250 logo.”
The cards will be issued at no additional cost to families or taxpayers. Parents at hospitals, birthing centers, or those using licensed midwives can request a Social Security number for their newborn during the birth registration process as part of the EAB program.
The Enumeration at Birth program has been operating since 1987, allowing parents to complete applications for Social Security numbers for their newborns without gathering documents or visiting a Social Security office separately. With more than 3.5 million children born in the United States each year, the program streamlines the process by integrating the application into the hospital birth registration system.
Replacement and duplicate cards issued after 2026 will not carry the Freedom 250 designation, regardless of the cardholder’s birth date. The SSA emphasized that parents do not need to apply, register, or provide information beyond what is already collected through the standard EAB program to receive the commemorative card.
The SSA also warned of potential scams. The agency will never call, text, or email requesting payment for a commemorative card. Anyone receiving suspicious communications claiming to be from SSA should report them to the Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report or call 1-800-269-0271.
Sources
- Social Security Administration — Official press release announcing the Freedom 250 commemorative cards, program details, and Commissioner Bisignano’s statement
- Fox News — Coverage of the announcement with details on card distribution dates and design features
- The Washington Post — Reporting on the commemorative card design and availability
- NBC News — Coverage of the Trump administration announcement and card specifications
