602-1 E.     SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS

Households must provide a Social Security Number (SSNSocial Security Number) for each household member.  If a household member does not have a Social Security Number, the individual must apply for one.

There are some classes of aliens for whom the SSASocial Security Administration will not normally issue an SSN, even though they are qualified aliens, unless they are required by law to have an SSN as a condition of receiving federally funded benefits. 

If this is the case for an applicant who is otherwise eligible for SNAPSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the caseworker must send a letter to the SSASocial Security Administration explaining the need for an SSNSocial Security Number for the purpose of qualifying for SNAP.  A template has been provided for caseworker's use and is posted on the ET Resources SharePoint Site.  This letter must be printed on DPADivision of Public Assistance letterhead. 

1. New Social Security Numbers

If an individual is applying for an SSNSocial Security Number for the first time, they must apply directly through the Social Security Administration (SSASocial Security Administration), either in person or by phone.  SSA will send the individual a Receipt of Application for an SSNSocial Security Number form verifying that an application has been submitted.

Parents may also apply for a newborns SSNSocial Security Number through the Bureau of Vital Statistics Enumeration at Birth Program.  Hospitals give the parent an SSASocial Security Administration -2853 form, Information About When You Will Receive Your Baby's Social Security Card, which certifies that a Social Security Number was requested for the baby.

If the newborn's SSNSocial Security Number is not provided at the time of application, the SSNSocial Security Number or proof of application for a SSNSocial Security Number is required at recertification or six months following the newborn's birth, whichever is later.

2. Verification

Social Security Numbers:  Social Security Numbers do not need to be verified, unless they are questionable.

Application for a Social Security Number:  Accept the individual's statement that he or she has applied for an SSNSocial Security Number with the Social Security Administration, unless questionable, and request the individual to provide the receipt once it is received from SSASocial Security Administration.  In addition, instruct the individual of the requirement to report the SSNSocial Security Number once their SSNSocial Security Number card is received from SSASocial Security Administration.  Obtain the SSNSocial Security Number or proof of application for an SSNSocial Security Number at the next recertification.

Enumeration at Birth:  Children born in Alaska are presumed to be enumerated at birth.  No verification of this is required.  Obtain the SSNSocial Security Number or proof of application for an SSNSocial Security Number at the next recertification.

3. Case Processing Pending Receipt of SSNSocial Security Number

Household members are allowed to participate if otherwise eligible while waiting for receipt of the SSNSocial Security Number .
 

Households with SSNSocial Security Number applications being processed are certified for not more than six months.  Instruct households to provide the social security number to the caseworker when the SSNSocial Security Number card arrives.

4. Failure to Provide SSNSocial Security Number

If the household is unable to provide an SSNSocial Security Number or proof of application at recertification, determine if good cause exists.  Good cause includes, but is not limited to SSASocial Security Administration -caused delays.  

• If good cause exists, the household must submit another application for a SSNSocial Security Number to the SSASocial Security Administration office and the household member for whom the SSNSocial Security Number is not obtained continues to be eligible.
• If good cause does not exist, the household member for whom the SSNSocial Security Number is not obtained is no longer eligible.  The disqualified person is treated as an excluded household member (use DI EISEligibility Information System participation code).  See MS 605-2B.