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respects for MA 10. The situation must be fully documented on CLRC (Running Record Comments).

2404.00.00 REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER The policy stated in this section does not apply to MA Q or MA X or to individuals who are eligible for emergency services only under Medicaid.

Each applicant must, as a condition of eligibility, furnish his Social Security Number (SSN).34 A verbal statement from the individual or his authorized representative is sufficient to meet this requirement. If the SSN is unknown or has never been obtained, the individual must apply for an SSN through the local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. The procedure to apply for a number is outlined in Section 2404.10.00. Household members who are not applying for Medicaid do not have to provide their SSN as a condition of eligibility. The determination of eligibility is not to be delayed, denied, or discontinued due to the waiting on an SSN to be issued. Certain applicants, because of well-established religious objections, may refuse to obtain an SSN and would not be required to obtain one as a condition of eligibility for Medicaid. The term well established objections mean that the applicant meets both of the following criteria:

• Is a member of a recognized religious sect or division of the sect • Adheres to the tenets or teachings of the sect or division of the sect and for that reason is conscientiously opposed to applying for or using a national identification number.35

The caseworker must request that AG members whose income or resources are included in the budget, but who are not participating members of the AG, provide their SSN for purposes of data exchange. These individuals are not required to comply with this request. Refer to Section 3205.00.36 If any applicant/recipient shows multiple cards for himself to the Local Office, it is to be reported to the local SSA District Office for investigation. The same procedure applies if it is suspected that multiple SSNs exist.