1805.015.00 Social Security Number (SSN) – DSS Manuals

IM-108 July 19, 2022 ; IM-75 July 7, 2021 ; IM-47 May 12, 2017 ; IM-13 February 1, 2017 ; IM-97 November 9, 2015

Section 1902(a) of the Social Security Act requires participants to apply for and provide a Social Security Number (SSN) to the Family Support Division (FSD) as a condition of eligibility for MO HealthNet.

This requirement does not apply to:

Parents or children included in the household who are not requesting benefits

the participant’s spouse, unless coverage has been requested for the spouse

the parents of a disabled child

newborns born to women with active Title XIX coverage at the time of the baby’s birth

aliens seeking MO HealthNet for the treatment of an emergency medical condition

Obtain a SSN for all participants including children under age one requesting benefits at the time of the initial application whenever possible. Accept self-attestation for verification of SSN.

An exception may be given to applicants who:

are not eligible to receive an SSN

do not have an SSN and may only be issued an SSN for a valid non-work reason in accordance with applicable law 20 C.F.R. 422.104; or

do not have, or do not agree to apply for, a SSN due to a well-established religious belief. A well-established religious belief means that the participant is a member of and abides by the belief of the religious organization. Self-attestation is accepted unless it is questionable.

Note: Do not deny coverage in the event the issuance or verification of an SSN is delayed due to SSA.

If a participant has a SSN but does not know it, provide a Request for Information and allow ten days to provide the SSN. When a participant attests to having a SSN but fails to provide the number to FSD, reject the participant’s coverage after the Request for Information expires.

If the applicant is required to provide an SSN and does not already have one, they must apply for a number as a condition for program eligibility. Assist the individual in making an application for an SSN. Ensure the participant understands:

FSD is limited to using the participant’s SSN to verify income from federal sources, and to verify eligibility data from other required sources

FSD is obligated to request the applicant’s SSN under the authority of Section 1902 (a) of the Social Security Act

Provide the applicant with the Social Security Administration Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5) form. The SS-5 form can be found on the Social Security website at www.ssa.gov . The participant can complete the form online or by hand.

Assist in completion of the SS-5 and mail it to the Social Security office whenever necessary. The SSN applicant MUST sign the SS-5 prior to submission to the Social Security office.

Whenever the completed SS-5 form is mailed to the Social Security office by FSD on behalf of the SSN applicant, provide the participant with a copy of the completed SS-5.

Inform the participant that the Social Security office requires original documents as verification, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.

Inform the participant that the completed and signed form must be either mailed or carried into the nearest Social Security office.

To find the local Social Security office for an SSN applicant, go to the Social Security website and utilize the Social Security Office Locator tool. Use this tool when determining which office to direct the participant or to mail the SS-5 for the participant.

Document how FSD assisted with the application for an SSN, when the SSN application was made, etc. At next review, require the SSN if the participant has not already provided it.

Newborns

Missouri Rule 13 CSR 40-2.260 provides that Newborns born to women with active Title XIX coverage at the time of the baby’s birth continue to be eligible for Newborn coverage up to age one whether or not they have an SSN on file with FSD.

Review MAGI Manual 1860.010.00 Eligibility for a list of MHN Programs that are Title XIX. Refer to Appendix H – ME Codes Chart .

Within 60 days of Newborns (babies born to women actively receiving Title XIX coverage on the baby’s date of birth) turning one year old, a review of their coverage will be completed. Obtain any missing case information, along with SSN, at that time.

When FSD does not have the Newborn’s SSN by the baby’s first birthday, request the SSN. If the SSN is not provided, the baby cannot continue to receive MO HealthNet after the first birthday.

Note: Applications for children under age 1 (MHK under 1) whose mother was not receiving Title XIX coverage on the baby’s date of birth are not automatically eligible for Newborn coverage during the first year of life. Request the baby’s SSN when processing an application for MHK under 1.