South suburban 18-year-old Tyler Brower struggles to get Social Security number, card, contacts ABC7 I-Team for help
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — The ABC7 I-Team is on the case of a local 18-year-old student who had no Social Security number.

Without it, he couldn’t work, open a bank account or plan for his future. Now, the I-Team is stepping in.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

For most people, getting a Social Security number is routine. It’s issued shortly after birth.

One south suburban teenager didn’t have one for nearly two decades, until he called the I-Team for help.

Tyler Brower, 18, said he couldn’t open a bank account or get a job a driver’s license, all because he didn’t have a Social Security number.

“It’s somewhat challenging. I feel somewhat excluded when my friends have jobs,” Brower expressed. “I was born at home, so when I was taken to the hospital, my birth wasn’t recorded.”

The man from Tinley Park, who recently finished high school, alongside his grandmother Janet Brower, sought assistance from the I-Team. They reported having repeatedly visited Social Security offices in the southern suburbs over the past two years.

“My grandma has been taking me there, and since then we’ve been going to the Social Security offices, yet we haven’t managed to obtain it,” Tyler Brower stated. “Each time we visit, they continually postpone it, telling us to wait for 30 or 90 days, providing us with a phone number and the like.”

Brower even received a letter in December confirming a recent application. It said, “You should have your card in about two weeks.” But that didn’t happen.

“Yeah, where’s my Social Security number?” Brower said.

Brower also couldn’t file for federal student aid for college, where he wants to study zoology.

“With endangered animals or deforestation,” he said.

His grandmother has been collecting necessary documents and helping every step of the way.

“It’s aggravating, but I still I’m going to go on until he gets it. I’m not going to stop,” Janet Brower told the I-Team. “He wants to get a job, and he can’t, and he gets depressed about it. So do I. And I just tell him, I says, ‘I’m not going to quit until we get your Social Security card.’ And then I was told about how you, you know, interview people. And I called and you came.”

After the I-Team contacted the Social Security Administration, they said, “Privacy laws preclude us from commenting on this case. We will contact Mr. Brower directly.”

“I feel like I need the Social Security card. I want one,” Tyler Brower said. “I feel like I, I have all the information for it. I have all the things for it. Like I’ve gone there multiple times to different places.”

Shortly after ABC7’s inquiry, Brower finally received his Social Security card and number, 18 years after he was born.

“I just wanted to thank Jason Knowles and the channel 7 I-Team for getting my Social Security card,” he said. “Thank you very much.”

Now with his number in hand, Brower plans to start building the future he’s waited so long to begin. He’s setting his sights on college and a career working with animals. He’s also applying for part-time jobs.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Retired Army officer pleads guilty to sharing classified info on Russia-Ukraine war on dating site

Former Army Officer Admits to Sharing Classified Russia-Ukraine War Information on Dating Platform

A retired Army officer who was employed as a civilian with the…
Aftermath of a fire at an assisted living facility.

Distressed Pleas From Residents to Family as Blaze Destroys Assisted Living Facility, Killing Nine

TERRIFIED residents caught in a fierce blaze at a nursing home made…
'9-1-1' star Aisha Hinds says she got "calls and texts" from family and friends about the agonizing death of Bobby last season. 

‘9-1-1’ Star Aisha Hinds Shares She Received “Calls and Texts” from Family and Friends Regarding Bobby’s Heart-wrenching Death Last Season.

“9-1-1” fans are still unsettled over Captain Bobby Nash’s death from April,…
Photo of Beverly Gumm and Christina Combs.

Kentucky Church Shooter’s Shocking Statement Prior to Killing Two During Rampage Targeting His Children’s Mother

HORRIFYING details have been revealed about the Kentucky church shooting that killed…
I don't know how I'll survive if Social Security gets cut

How Will I Handle Life If Social Security Benefits Are Reduced?

DEAR ABBY: My spouse and I are retired and on Social Security.…
UC Berkeley professor Przemyslaw Jeziorski killed by masked gunman in Greece: 'We are heartbroken'

UC Berkeley Professor Przemyslaw Jeziorski Tragically Shot by Masked Gunman in Greece: ‘We Are Devastated’

A UC Berkeley business professor was shot and killed by a masked gunman…
Trump economic adviser says White House probing Fed renovation costs, authority to fire Powell

Trump Economic Adviser Reports White House Investigation into Federal Reserve Renovation Costs and Authority to Dismiss Fed Chair Powell

President Trump holds the power to dismiss Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell…
Ongoing trash strike draws pressure from officials as communities struggle with waste build-up

Continuous Waste Strike Puts Pressure on Officials as Communities Battle Trash Accumulation

As the worker strike across multiple states nears its second week, state…
KFC offering free bucket of chicken as part of its 'comeback' era

KFC Celebrates ‘Comeback’ Era with Free Bucket of Chicken Offer

After ranking toward the bottom of a recent fried chicken fast food…
Watch: Trump Celebrates Life at FIFA Club World Cup, One Year After Assassination Attempt

Video: Trump Enjoys Life at FIFA Club World Cup, One Year Post-Assassination Attempt

I’m sure most of us can easily recall where we were a…
Cullman’s Roy Drinkard, Oldest Living U.S. Marine, Celebrates 105th Birthday

Cullman’s Roy Drinkard, the Oldest Living Marine in the U.S., Celebrates 105th Birthday

Congressman Aderholt honors 105-year-old Marine veteran Roy Drinkard with a Capitol flag…
Francisco Alvarez doing what Mets asked with 'phenomenal' minors stint

Francisco Alvarez Excels in Minor Leagues as Mets Requested

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Francisco Alvarez is excelling in his minor league…