500 Social Security Numbers (A)

Requirements (1) A Social Security number (SSN) must be provided, either orally or in writing, for each household member applying for SNAP benefits before the initial certification period, unless good cause exists in accordance with 106 CMR 362.500(C). (2) If an SSN cannot be provided either orally or in writing for each household member applying for SNAP benefits, the applicant or client must receive written verification from the Social Security Administration (SSA) stating that the household member for whom the SSN cannot be provided: (a) has applied for an SSN; or (b) has requested that an already-existing SSN be validated. (3) If the household is unable to provide proof of application for an SSN for a newborn, the household must provide the SSN or proof of application at its next recertification or within six (6) months following the month the baby is born, whichever is later. If the household is still unable to provide an SSN or proof of application for an SSN at its next recertification or within six months following the baby's birth, the State agency must determine if the good cause provisions described in 362.500(C) are applicable. (4) A household eligible for expedited SNAP benefits must meet the SSN requirement before the first full month of participation. (5) SNAP benefits may not be denied, delayed or decreased pending the issuance or verification of an SSN if the applicant or client has complied with the requirements specified in 106 CMR 362.500(A) and (B). (6) Each household member applying for SNAP benefits who does not meet the SSN requirements shall be considered a disqualified household member in accordance with 106 CMR 365.520. An otherwise eligible household member disqualified for failing to meet the SSN requirements becomes eligible upon meeting the requirements. (B) Verification (1) The Department will verify the SSN provided for each household member applying for SNAP benefits by a computer match with SSA. SSA sources that verify the SSN include, but are not limited to, BENDEX Title II and Title XVIII data, Numident, State Data Exchange information and the enumeration process. (2) For each household member for whom no SSN is provided, for whom an SSN cannot be verified by a SSA computer match or for whom more than one SSN is verified by SSA computer match, the applicant or client must receive written communication from SSA, verifying that the household member has applied for an SSN, has applied to have an already-existing number validated, or has made every effort to supply SSA with the information necessary to apply for an SSN, or to apply to have an already-existing number validated. Once the SSN has been issued or validated, the Department will verify the SSN by computer match with SSA. (C) Determining Good Cause Good cause for failure to comply with the requirements in 106 CMR 362.500(A) exists when there is documentary evidence or collateral information that the household member has made every effort to supply SSA with the information necessary to apply for an SSN or to apply to have an already-existing number validated. Good cause must be verified monthly until the SSN is provided and verified by computer match with SSA in accordance with 362.500(B)(1). (D) Right to Know Uses of Social Security Numbers The applicant or client has the right to know how the Department will use his or her SSN and the numbers of all members of the household. At the time the applicant is given the application form and at the time of recertification, he or she will also be given written notice on a form prescribed by the Department explaining the following: (1) the purposes for which the numbers are sought. The Department will use the SSN to prevent duplicate participation, to facilitate mass changes in benefits and to determine the accuracy of the information given by the household member; (2) that the SSN(s) will be computer cross-checked with SSNs appearing in other personal data files; (3) what those files are, whether within the Department, in other governmental agencies or elsewhere. The Department will regularly use the SSN to obtain and use wage and benefit information from other sources for purposes of verifying eligibility for SNAP and the amount of SNAP benefits. These sources include, but are not limited to, any federal or state agency, providers under contract with the Department, welfare departments in other states and banks and other financial institutions; and (4) the household member who fails to meet the requirements described in 106 CMR 362.500(A) must have benefits denied or terminated, unless good cause exists as specified in 106 CMR 362.500(C). The Department need not obtain the prior approval of the applicant or client to acquire and use the information from the sources and for the reasons indicated in 106 CMR 362.500(D).