105-10         SOCIAL SECURITY ENUMERATION

Every applicant for Temporary Assistance, Medicaid, or SNAPSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program must provide a Social Security Number (SSN), or proof that they have applied for one, for each member of the assistance unit. Eligibility for these programs does not exist unless this requirement is met. The caseworker must refer to the policy manual of the applicable Public Assistance program to determine whether the applicant or recipient is qualified for a benefit.

Applicants can provide a SSNSocial Security Number by presenting their card or a photocopy of it, by writing the SSNSocial Security Number on an application, monthly report, or other document, or they may provide the SSNSocial Security Number verbally.

SSNSocial Security Numbers provided by the individual do not need to be verified unless questionable.

Note:

Applicant's or recipient's legal names should be used in the eligibility systems. The legal name is the name used in Social Security Administration (SSA) records. If an individual's name on the SSNSocial Security Number card does not reflect their current name in the system or there is a discrepancy, the applicant or recipient must correct their name with SSASocial Security Administration.

The household will be given 30 days to provide verification from the SSASocial Security Administration that the name associated with the SSNSocial Security Number has been changed or resolved.

For example: If the client's ID card such as a driver's license or name in the system is different than the name on the SSNSocial Security Number card, DPADivision of Public Assistance will use the name on the SSNSocial Security Number card and the client will have 30 days to resolve the discrepancy.

105-10 A.      APPLICATIONS FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

If an individual is applying for a new SSNSocial Security Number, they can use SSASocial Security Administration's automated application process by calling 1-800-772-1213. They may also apply at a local SSASocial Security Administration office if one is available.

The individual will receive a "Receipt for Application for an SSNSocial Security Number," verifying that an application has been submitted. If application was done by telephone or mail, accept the individual's statement that this was done, document the date the individual initiated the application process, and request a copy of the "Receipt for Application for an SSNSocial Security Number" when it is received.

Parents may also apply for a newborn's SSNSocial Security Number through the Enumeration at Birth program. Verify this application for an SSNSocial Security Number by viewing the SSASocial Security Administration -2835 "Information About When You Will Receive Your Baby's Social Security Card," or by certifying with the hospital that this application was done.