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S N A P M A N U A L

78 7 . 2 S O C I A L S E C U R I T Y N U M B E R S ( S S N s ) (1) Requirements for participation The Agency will require that a household participating or applying for participation in SNAP provide the Agency with the Social Security Number (SSN) of each household member or apply for one before certification (See Section 5.1 Verification Prior to Certification, (3) Social security numbers). If individuals have more than one number, all numbers will be required. The Agency will explain to applicants and participants that refusal or failure without good cause to provide an SSN will result in disqualification of the individual for whom an SSN is not obtained. (2) Obtaining SSNs for SNAP household members For those individuals who provide SSNs prior to certification, recertification or at any office contact, the Agency will record the SSN and verify it in accordance with Section 5.1 Verification Prior to Certification, (3) Social security numbers. Individuals must apply at SSA if they do not have an SSN, do not know if they have an SSN, or are unable to find their SSN. The Agency will assist as needed in completing the application for an SSN, Form SS–5. The Agency will inform the household where to apply and what information will be needed. The Agency will advise the household member that proof of application from SSA will be required prior to certification. SSA normally uses the Receipt of Application for a Social Security Number, Form SSA-5028, as evidence that an individual has applied for an SSN. The Agency may use its own documents for this purpose. If the household is unable to provide proof of application for an SSN for a newborn, the household must provide the SSN or proof of application at its next recertification or within 6 months following the month the baby is born, whichever is later. If the household is unable to provide an SSN or proof of application for an SSN at its next recertification or within 6 months following the baby's birth, the Agency will determine if the good cause provisions are applicable. (3) Determining good cause In determining if good cause exists for failure to comply with the requirement to apply for or provide the Agency with an SSN, the Agency will consider information from the household member, SSA and the Agency. Documentary evidence [See 5.2 (1) Sources of Verification (Documentary evidence)] that the household member has applied for an SSN or made every effort to supply SSA with the necessary information to complete an application for an SSN will be considered good cause for not complying timely with this requirement. Good cause does not include delays due to illness, lack of transportation or temporary absences, because SSA makes provisions for mail-in applications in lieu of applying in person. If the household member can show good cause why an application for a SSN has not been completed in a timely manner, that person will be allowed to participate for one month in addition to the month of