SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS (SSN)

A. Each Adult Financial program client who has a social security number (SSN) or is eligible to obtain a SSN shall provide his or her SSN to the county department. 1. If a client has multiple numbers, all numbers shall be required. 2. If a client is unable to provide their SSN, the client shall be required to apply for a SSN at the local Social Security office and provide the county department with verification of application for an SSN. This requirement does not apply to OAP clients who are non-citizens or qualified non- citizens. 3. When a client is eligible for a SSN, refusal or failure to apply for or provide their SSN shall result in denial for Adult Financial programs. 4. Upon proof of application for an SSN, the time required for issuance of the number or to secure verification of the number shall not be used as a basis for delaying action on the Adult Financial program application. B. The county department shall verify the client's SSN with the SSA in accordance with procedures established by the State Department for the SVES. 1. The county department shall accept as verified a SSN that has been confirmed by the SVES. 2. When the county department receives notification that an SSN cannot be verified or is otherwise discrepant (e.g., name or number do not match SSA records), the county department shall: a. Conduct a case record review to confirm that the SSN in the case record matches the SSN submitted to the SSA for verification. 1) If an error occurred in the original submittal (e.g., digits transposed, incorrect name submitted) the county department shall correct the error and resubmit the SSN through SVES for verification. 2) If no error is identified, the county department shall advise the client in writing that the SSN could not be verified, and instruct the client to contact the local Social Security office to resolve the discrepancy. b. Make every effort to assist the client to obtain available documents required by the SSA. 3. For clients eligible to receive a SSN, if the client is unable to provide his or her valid SSN, the application shall be denied or the case terminated following the policies outlined in Section 3.554.