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156 (07/2026) Chapter 2:Eligibility • Section 3: Individual information Individual information Introduction When applying for benefits, individuals must provide certain information about themselves and others who are in their household. The information required depends on which household members are requesting benefits and what program benefits are being applied. They have the right for this information to be treated with respect and confidentiality; they have the responsibility to provide true, complete, legal and accurate information. Some information must be verified and other information can be accepted as stated by the applicant. If safety is a concern, arrangements can and should be made to provide an extra level of protection for individuals and their information in ODHS|OHA systems. Oregon Administrative Rule(s) 461-105-0010 — Rights of Clients 461-105-0020 — Responsibilities of Clients 414-175-0097 — Rights and Responsibilities Other resources Service Guide for Language Access: Process on how to handle alternate format request. Name/identity All benefit applications request the name(s) of the applicant and any other person for whom benefits are being requested. Applicants need to provide their true legal identity/name(s), which for ODHS|OHA purposes is the name registered with the Social Security Administration (SSA). ODHS|OHA calls this the person’s “Primary name.” This name is used in the system to identify the person. Identity must be verified during the application process. Persons may want to use a name other than their primary name. If the individual believes a risk would be created by their name being linked to their information in ODHS|OHA systems (e.g., safety risk is connected to an employee’s family member), the local branch can follow the process to create a unique T number and “created name” for that person. The branch will keep record of the T number, the created name(s) and the legal name(s). If there is no safety risk, a preferred or nickname can be recorded as an alias name, but these names are not to be entered as the primary name. If an individual has legally changed their name through Oregon courts, but SSA is showing a different name, ODHS|OHA will continue using the primary name and refer the person to the SSA to complete the name change. Changing a name through Oregon or other state courts does not change the person’s name registered with the SSA.