(Revised 01/01/04 ML2893)
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All households participating in or applying for participation in the program must furnish the SSN of each household member, or apply for one, before certification. If individuals have more than one number, all numbers are required. It must be explained to applicants who refuse or are unable to provide a SSN that the individual for whom a SSN is not obtained will be disqualified.
However, certification of an otherwise eligible household must not be delayed solely to validate any member's SSN, even if the 30-day processing period has not expired.
If verification of an already reported SSN is not completed at initial certification, it must be completed at the time of or prior to the household's next review. The SSN must be verified in one of the following ways:
- A copy of each household member’s Social Security Card.
- Matching the reported SSN with information supplied by the SSA such as BENDEX or SDX System computer tapes or printouts, or NUMIDENT.
- Proof of application for a SSN.
- Accept verification of a SSN(s) already verified through TANF, Medical Assistance or similar programs.
A SSN will be reverified only if the identity of the individual or the SSN becomes questionable.
Obtaining Social Security Numbers
Individuals who do not have a SSN must be informed that a SSN may be obtained by completing Social Security Form SS-5 and submitting it to the Social Security District Office along with copies of documents used in establishing age, identity and citizenship.
Households must be informed that proof of application for SSN is required and must be requested from SSA. Form SSA-5028, Receipt for Application for a SSN, is normally used by SSA as evidence that an individual has applied for a SSN.
Obtaining SSNs for Newborns
If the household is unable to provide proof of application for a SSN for a newborn, the household must provide the SSN or proof of application at it’s next review or within six months following the month the baby is born, whichever is later.
A completed Form SSA - 2853, Message From Social Security or documentation from the hospital is considered proof of application for a SSN for a newborn. This receipt form is given to the mother by the hospital verifying a SSN was requested for a newborn. In those instances where the hospital does not provide the Form SSA - 2853 or documentation, a collateral contact to the hospital is acceptable.
If the household is unable to provide a SSN or proof of application for a SSN at its next review or within six months following the baby's birth, the worker must determine if the good cause provisions are applicable.
If it is determined that good cause does not exist, the child is an ineligible household member and must be set to "DI". The following example describes the procedure to follow at initial application:
Example:
The application date is March 10 and the four-month-old child in the household does not have a SSN. The system will pass the SSN criteria for the child and the application can be authorized.
In the review month of November, the system checks the child's age which is now greater than six months old. There must be a SSN or SS-5 date or the case fails. The child's participation must be set to "DI" for the benefit month of December and benefits authorized for the remaining household members, if otherwise eligible.
Participation While Awaiting Social Security Number
Once a SSN application has been filed, the member must be allowed to participate pending notification of that member's SSN.
Failure to Comply
If a household member has refused or failed without good cause to provide or apply for a SSN, that individual is ineligible to participate in the program. The disqualification applies to the individual for whom the SSN is not provided, not the entire household. The income and assets of the disqualified individual are counted as an ineligible household member. The correct participation code in TECS for these individuals is "DI".
Determining Good Cause
In determining if good cause exists for either failure to apply for a SSN or failure to provide a SSN, information from the household member and SSA must be considered.
SSA makes provisions for mailing an application in lieu of applying in person. Good cause does not include delays due to illness, lack of transportation or temporary absences.
If the household member can show good cause why an application for a SSN was not completed in a timely manner, that individual must be allowed to participate for one month in addition to the month of application. Good cause for failure to apply for a SSN must be shown monthly in order for the household member to continue to participate.
Ending Disqualification
The ineligible household member(s) may become eligible upon providing a SSN, which must be verified by the next review.
Use of Social Security Number
Workers are authorized to use SSN(s) in the administration of SNAP. The SDX must be utilized. Whenever possible, SSN(s) must be used to prevent duplicate participation, to facilitate mass changes in Federal benefits, and to determine the accuracy and/or reliability of information given by households.
