Food assistance: good cause for failure to comply in providing a social security number

(A) What happens when an assistance group member refuses or fails to provide a social security number (SSN)?

(1) When an assistance group member refuses or fails to provide his or her SSN, he or she, as an individual, is ineligible to participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) unless they provide good cause as described in paragraph (C) of this rule.

(2) The disqualification applies to the individual for which the number is not provided (including the child who is under eighteen whose parent has refused or failed to cooperate for him or her) and not to the entire assistance group.

(3) The earned or unearned income and resources of an individual disqualified for failure to comply with this requirement is to be treated as in accordance with rule 5101:4-6-13 of the Administrative Code. Prior notice requirements are to be followed before the assistance group's benefit level can be decreased.

(4) The disqualified assistance group member may become eligible upon providing the county agency with an SSN.

(B) How is good cause determined? In determining when good cause exists for failure to comply with the SSN requirement, the county agency shall consider information from:

(1) The assistance group member;

(2) The social security administration (SSA); and

(3) The case file (especially when the county agency failed to refer the assistance group member to SSA, or SSA did not process the referral and/or SSN application in a timely manner).

(C) What is considered good cause? Documentary evidence or collateral information that the assistance group member has applied for a SSN or made every effort to supply SSA with the necessary information to complete an application for a SSN shall be considered good cause for not complying on a timely basis with this requirement.

(D) What is not considered good cause? Good cause does not include delays due to illness, lack of transportation or temporary absences. SSA makes provisions for mail-in applications in lieu of applying in person.

(E) How is good cause handled?

(1) When the assistance group member demonstrates good cause for why an application has not been completed in a timely manner, the assistance group member shall be allowed to participate for one month in addition to the month of application.

(2) When an assistance group member applying for a SSN has been unable to obtain the documents required by SSA, the county agency shall make every effort to assist the individual in obtaining these documents.

(3) The assistance group must demonstrate good cause for failure to apply each month in order for the assistance group member to continue to participate.

(4) Once an application has been filed, the county agency shall permit the member to continue to participate pending notification of the assistance group member's SSN.

(5) When an assistance group is unable to provide proof of application for a SSN for a newborn, the assistance group shall 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. When an assistance group is unable to provide a SSN or proof of application for a SSN at its next recertification or within six months following the baby's birth, the county agency shall determine if there is good cause.