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ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Section One: Application Process Intake, Operations & Policy Manual

Program Year 2026 11 Client Information Section (Begin with the applicant.) 4. Legal Name: Print full legal name as listed on the most current documentation from the SSA or state issued photo ID, for each member of the household. 5. Birthdate: Enter date of birth for each household member (Month/Day/Year). 6. SSN/SYSID: Enter the social security number (SSN) issued by the SSA for each household member. LIHEAP: Social Security Numbers are required for LIHEAP and agencies are strongly encouraged to retain a copy of the Social Security Card for the client file. Agencies may require copies of the card from all clients. OEAP: SSNs ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED BUT NOT REQUIRED. In those cases where circumstances prevent applicants from providing a social security number, OPUS will issue a unique client identification number to prevent duplication of services. Links to: • The Social Security Administration website • SSA info about SSNs here and here Note: A valid SSN will not begin with 000, 666, or 900-999. 7. Social Security Number Code: When an OPUS system ID number is used and the client meets the exception criteria, it must be noted in the client file which exception criteria have been met. Examples of exceptions for not providing a social security number include: • Unavailable to custodial guardian/parent • Domestic Violence (DV) (any information regarding DV should only be documented in/on the paper file, not in OPUS • Children under the age of one • Adult applying for SSN with letter of SSN application 8. Adult Identification Verified: Select if adult household members’ identification has been verified and documented. If adult ID has not been verified and documented the household member will not be counted for the purposes of benefit, however their income will be counted.