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Yes, you can claim a dependent without a Social Security Number.
However, you need an ID number for the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Credit, so in most cases claiming the child without a Social Security Number won't do any good.
The tax return would need to be mailed.
As Lisa said, it is quite unusual to not have a Social Security Number because that is usually done immediately at the hospital, so the taxpayer may want to double check that.
No SSN.
If a person whom you expect to claim as a dependent on your return doesn't have an SSN, either you or that person should apply for an SSN as soon as possible by filing Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, with the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can get Form SS-5 online at SSA.gov or at your local SSA office.
It usually takes about 2 weeks to get an SSN once the SSA has all the information it needs. If you don’t have a required SSN by the filing due date, you can file Form 4868 for an extension of time to file.
Born and died in 2018.
