605                 Social Security Number (SSN) Requirement

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2 and .6 POWER - Social Security Act, Section 1137; ARW, Chapt. 1, Section 5

A.    Determine if each assistance unit member meets the SSN eligibility factor.

B.    Refer to Section 303 for information concerning acceptable evidence when hard copy verification is required.

C.   Validation

1.    Require a hard copy of the SSN card or a copy of an interface no later than six months from the date of application or at the first periodic review, whichever occurs first, for POWER:

a.    Terminate the POWER assistance unit when this requirement is not met.

2.    Require a social security number or proof of application for a card for the SNAP program unless good cause exists:

a.    Disqualify the assistance unit member from the SNAP program who refuses or fails to provide or apply for a SSN.

3.    If the assistance unit is unable to provide proof of application for an SSN for a newborn for the SNAP Program, the assistance unit must provide the SSN or proof of application at its next recertification or within 6 months following the month the baby is born, whichever is later;

a.   If the assistance unit is unable to provide an SSN or proof of application for an SSN at its next recertification within 6 months following the baby’s birth, the worker shall determine if the good cause provisions are applicable.

D.    Immigrant Without Work Authorization

       Realize SSA will not assign or replace a SSN to an immigrant who does not have CIS work authorization unless a federal, state or local statute or regulation, in accordance with federal law, requires the immigrant to provide a SSN to receive assistance/benefits.

1.    Establish that the immigrant(s) meets all requirements to receive assistance except for a SSN;

2.    Obtain verification that the immigrant does or does not have authorization of the CIS to work in the U.S.:

a.    Use the SAVE process as outlined in Section 606; or

b.    Obtain verification from the CIS as outlined in Section 606.

3.    Require the immigrant who does not have authorization of the CIS to work in the U.S. to provide evidence of age, identity and lawful immigrant status;

4.    Submit to the local SSA a statement on letterhead stationery specifying:

a.    The identity of the immigrant;

b.    The reason the SSN is required;

c.    The immigrant meets all the requirements to receive assistance except a SSN.

SNAP only - 7 CFR 273.6

E.    Good Cause

1.    Determine if the assistance unit member who is unable to provide or apply for a SSN has good cause;

a.    Has applied for the SSN; or

b.    Made every effort to provide SSA with the necessary information; or

c.    Refused to apply for a SSN based on a sincere religious objection.

2.    Use documentary evidence from the assistance unit, the SSA and the DFS-FO case record to confirm the assistance unit member;

3.    Allow the assistance unit member to participate for 30 days in addition to the month of application when good cause exists;

4.    Reevaluate the good cause monthly until the SSN is provided and allow continued participation when good cause exists;

5.    Document the reason good cause is allowed.