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ESA SNAP Policy Manual 53  Once the household member receives their SSN, they can report it to ESA. ESA must verify the reported SSN in accordance with Section 5.5.1, Verifying SSN. ESA must assist the household in applying for a new or replacement SSN if the household is otherwise cooperating with ESA. Assistance must include the following:  Advise the household where it can find the Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) on SSA’s website or provide the address of the nearest SSA local office.  Advise the household what information SSA will need as part of the SSN application process. − ESA can find this information on the current Form SS-5, which can be accessed on SSA’s website.  Advise the household to provide ESA with a receipt of application (e.g. Form SSA-5028).  Advise the household to provide ESA with the SSN as soon as issued. 5.5.3 Verifying Good Cause for Not Applying for SSN Household members applying to receive SNAP benefits or being added as a new household member who have not applied for an SSN (or replacement) may have good cause. Good cause may be because the member cannot timely secure a specific document required by SSA to apply for an SSN (see Section 8.2, SSNs, for additional information). Good cause does not include delays in applying for an SSN because of illness, lack of transportation or temporary absences. ESA must work with the household to determine if good cause exists and document the good cause reason in the case file. See Section 5.5.2, Verifying Application for SSN, once the member has applied for an SSN. 5.5.4 Verifying SSNs of Newborns If the SNAP household is unable to provide proof of application for an SSN for a newborn, the household must provide an SSN or proof of application at its next recertification or within six months following the month the baby is born, whichever is later. If the household is unable to provide an SSN or proof of application for an SSN at the next recertification within six months following the baby’s birth, ESA must determine if good cause exists.

Legal Authority SSN (federal): SNAP: 7 CFR § 273.2(f)(1)(v), 7 CFR § 273.6, 7 CFR § 272.8 Return