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FS The SSR should advise the group that an SSN or proof of application for an SSN must be provided for each member prior to certification except for households entitled to expedited service or categorically eligible groups (see Chapter 4: Expedited Services in Part III and Chapter 12: Categorical Eligibility in this Part). FS groups entitled to expedited service are not required to provide or apply for a SSN prior to receiving their initial benefit. They must do so prior to the issuance of benefits subsequent to the issuance of expedited benefits. A categorically eligible group is not required to provide proof of SSNs for Food Stamp purposes. In addition, a newborn may be added to an open case without provision of an SSN or proof of application for an SSN (see Adding a Newborn in Section 1.7 of this Part).

VERIFICATION 3.4

All SSNs must be verified unless the person is exempt from the requirement. Once an applicant/recipient has furnished an SSN, the primary means of verification is by submission of the SSN to SSA for verification through the ACEDS system.

The SSR should not delay the issuance of benefits pending receipt of a number when application for an SSN has been verified.

Acceptable verification of application for an SSN includes:

 a receipt from SSA,  notices from hospitals with enumeration agreements, or  vital records for those enumerated at birth.