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EXCEPTION: AGs who receive combined benefits will have until the 30th day to provide verification.

Individuals who have good cause as determined by the caseworker for failure to apply for a SSN are eligible for one month in addition to the month of application. For example, if the AG applies on January 15, and is eligible for January, the re-evaluation of good cause begins March 1. Good cause must be evaluated each month for the individual to continue to be eligible.

If the AG is unable to provide proof of application for an SSN for a newborn, the SSN requirement will be waived until the next recertification or six months from the month the baby was born, whichever is later. The AG should be informed of this requirement when the baby is added to the case. If the AG is unable to provide the newborn's SSN or proof of application by the end of the waiver period, the worker must determine if good cause exists. Refer to Section 2404.20.05.

Categorically eligible AGs are assumed to have fulfilled this requirement. No further verification is required. 2404.20.05 SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER GOOD CAUSE DETERMINATION (S)

To determine if good cause exists for failure to comply with the requirement to apply for or provide an SSN, the eligibility worker shall consider information provided by the AG or SSA. Documentary evidence or collateral information indicating that the AG member has applied for an SSN or made every effort to supply information to complete the application is considered good cause for not complying timely with the requirement. Good cause must be determined monthly for the member to participate as a member of the AG.

Good cause does not include delays due to illness, lack of transportation, or temporary absences, because SSA makes provisions for mailing applications in lieu of applying in person. If the AG member can show good cause why an application for a SSN has not been completed in a timely manner (for example, obtaining an out-of-state birth certificate), that person shall be allowed to participate for one month in addition to the month of application. 2404.25.00 REFUSAL TO COMPLY WITH SOCIAL SECURITY REQUIREMENT

Penalties may be assessed when an individual does not apply for, or provide, an SSN. These penalties are discussed in the following sections. 2404.25.05 PENALTIES FOR SSN NON-COMPLIANCE

The individual who does not comply with the SSN requirement is an ineligible AG member. The individual is not counted in the AG size, but a portion of the individual’s income and expenses is counted. Resources count in their entirety. This sanction will continue until the person who has failed to comply comes into compliance with the SSN requirement.