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requirement for a specific type of document such as birth certification can be required. Only one document that establishes identity can be required. NOTE- Identity must be verified before authorizing expedited benefits. We must attempt to verify identity through collateral contact if all other methods have been exhausted. It is unacceptable to deny expedited benefits without thorough attempts by the agency to verify identity. PLEASE SEE “COLLATERAL CONTACT” SECTION ABOVE. 3. Eligible alien status – verify each alien applicant’s eligibility status. Alien status is normally verified through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) Forms I-94, I-151, Passport, G-641, or I-688 (SNAPa 301-2) If an individual chooses not to provide verification of their eligible alien status and does not want eligibility staff to contact ISCIS to verify their immigration status, the household may choose to withdraw the application or to participate without that member’s needs included in the benefit determination. 4. Social Security Number (SSN) – verified through the agency system interface with SSA. Hard copy verification is not required. Providing an SSN for each household member is voluntary. However, if an SSN is not provided, the individual cannot participate in SNAP unless the individual meets good cause. (SNAP 303-1) Eligibility determination or benefit issuance must not be delayed to an otherwise eligible household solely to verify another household member’s SSN. Once a SSN is verified the eligibility staff member must make a permanent notation in its file to prevent the unnecessary re-verification of the SSN in the future. If an individual does not have or is unable to provide a SSN and wants to participate in SNAP, the individual must apply for a SSN. If the household is unable to provide proof of a newborn’s SSN application, the household must provide the SSN or proof of application at its next recertification or within six months following the month the baby is born, whichever is later. If the household is unable to provide a SSN or proof of SSN application within those time frames, the eligibility staff determine if good cause is applicable (SNAP 303-1). Generally, the SSN application process begins while the mother is still in the hospital. If a newborn’s SSN application is made prior to the mother leaving the hospital, the SSN application from the hospital is acceptable verification. 5. Household Composition – verify factors affecting the household composition, if questionable. Please refer to 201-1 for specific details related to Household Composition.