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COMBINED MANUAL

ISSUE DATE 12/2014

PROVIDING/APPLYING FOR AN SSN

0012.03

Some programs require clients to have or apply to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for Social Security numbers (SSNs). Clients with more than 1 SSN must provide all of them. Do not delay case processing while waiting for SSA's verification of the SSN. See 0010.18.03 (Verifying Social Security Numbers) for information on SSN application and the SSA verification. NOTE: Do not require clients to provide their Social Security cards when they provide their SSN.

If the client is a non-citizen without current employment authorization, SSA will NOT process an application for a Social Security number. Non-citizens who are admitted for a temporary period of time or while their immigration applications are pending are NOT authorized for employment. They may apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for employment authorization. Since they must provide a Social Security number for eligibility determination, the application for employment authorization must be required. The application for employment authorization requires a fee to be paid, but the fee may be waived by USCIS if a client demonstrates inability to pay.

See 0014.06 (Who Must Be Excluded From Assistance Unit), 0015.48 (Whose Assets to Consider), 0016.03 (Income From Disqualified Unit Members) for additional effects of not providing or applying for an SSN.

MFIP, DWP: Clients must have or must apply to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for Social Security numbers (SSNs), EXCEPT for members in the assistance unit who are qualified non-citizens and victims of family violence. See BATTERED NON-CITIZEN in 0002.05 (Glossary: Assistance Standard...). Also see 0011.03.21 (Non-Citizens - Victims of Battery/Cruelty).

Caregivers or children without either SSNs or pending SSN applications are ineligible. If caregivers refuse to provide or apply for SSNs for the only eligible child in a unit, deny the case.

SNAP: Units receiving expedited service can provide or apply for SSNs at application or before their next issuance.

Unit members with a good cause reason for not completing an SSN application may receive benefits for 1 month beyond the month of application. Illness, temporary absence, or lack of transportation are not good cause reasons. Help unit members get the necessary verification to complete the SSN application. Allow unit members who complete the SSN application to participate while SSA processes their application.

If the unit cannot provide or apply for an SSN for the newborn immediately following the birth, allow the unit to provide the SSN or proof of application for an SSN for the newborn at its next recertification or within 6 months following the month of the baby’s birth, whichever is later. Also see 0010.18.03.03 (Verifying Social Security Numbers – Newborns).

Clients who do not provide or apply for an SSN are ineligible. Their income may be deemed toward the eligible unit members. See 0016.03 (Income From Disqualified Unit Members). Unit members not applying for SNAP (non-applicants) are not required to submit their Social Security number. Their income may be deemed toward the eligible unit members. See 0016.42 (Income of Non-Applicants). For information on what assets to count for ineligible people and non-applicants, see 0015.48 (Whose Assets to Consider).

MSA, GRH: Clients who do not provide or apply for an SSN are ineligible. If caregivers refuse to provide or apply for an SSN for a child, the child is not eligible.

GA: Applicants or participants without either SSNs or pending SSN applications are ineligible.