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4.5 Social Security Number A Social Security Number (SSN) is required for all persons in the household age one (1) and older. Individuals who do not have or refuse to furnish an SSN are considered an ineligible household member. Social Security Cards or any other proof of SSN will no longer be required of any household members. The applicant will provide all Social Security Numbers on the application and will certify their accuracy by signing the certification statement. The applicant will affirm the SSNs of all household members on the application form. When a household member over the age of one (1) cannot provide a SSN, the LSP will enter the household member and use nines or zeros in place of the Social Security number. The application should remain in incomplete status until the SSN is provided or the individual becomes classified as an ineligible household member. All zeros or nines can be entered for household members under age one (1). 4.6 Proof of Utility Payments Households applying for the Energy Assistance Program must show a current utility bill coded for residential use. For applicants with utilities included in the rent, the applicant must show a current, signed lease or a Tenant Verification Statement (Form TVS-2026 – Tenant Verification Statement) showing that utilities are included in the monthly rent payment. LSPs must verify that the address of residency on the application and the proof of residency documentation is the same as the service or delivery address on the utility bill. However, the mailing address on the application or utility bill does not have to match the service address. This is because some individuals may choose to have their mail sent to a P.O. Box or to a relative’s address. LSPs are responsible for documenting the difference between the mailing address and service address. The Tenant Verification Statement language cannot be modified by any landlord or LSP. Utilities must be in the name of a household member (eligible or ineligible), age eighteen (18) or over with these exceptions: • The utilities are listed in the landlord’s or property owner’s name. • Applicant is a person with a disability and the utilities are handled by a company or service. • If utilities are listed in a household member’s name who is temporarily in a correctional facility, nursing home or rehabilitation center, supporting documentation must be provided. • Utilities are listed in a person’s name but there is a court-ordered protection against the person. • Utilities are listed in the name of a legal power of attorney. The power of attorney documentation must be kept in the client’s file and have the name of the attorney and the name of the person who has the power to act on behalf of the principal person. The power of attorney must be fully executed. • The utilities are listed in someone else’s name because the applicant could not get the utilities listed in their name due to other reasons such as credit problems or