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Page | 62 to make application. Application for SSN (SS-5) may still be completed for original SSN applications for individuals 18 or older, or for duplicate SSN requests for individuals of any age. If the individual is referred to SSA, proof of the SSN application is required. Proof may consist of SSA-5028, Receipt for Application for SSN or a statement from the SSA office. For expedited cases, the SSN or proof of application need not be provided until the second issuance or the third issuance if the household received expedited combined allotments.

If the applicant recently applied for a SSN just prior to application, the customer should also be advised to ask for proof of application from SSA. SSA normally uses Form SSA-5028, Receipt for Application for a Social Security Number, as evidence that the individual has applied for a SSN. A signed statement from SSA is also acceptable.

If proof exists that a recipient has applied for a SSN (SS-5, SSA-5028, or signed statement form SSA), the recipient may continue to participate pending federal verification of the SSN. For individuals who furnish their SSN, DSS will record the SSN.

3620 OBTAINING SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS FOR NEWBORNS 6 MONTHS OR YOUNGER

When a newborn is added to an existing SNAP household, SSN or proof of application for a SSN for a newborn baby must be submitted at the household’s next renewal, or within 6 months following the month in which the baby was born, whichever is later. We do not require proof from SSA or the hospital that a SSN has been applied for unless the newborn does not have a SSN at the next renewal or 6 months following the month of birth, whichever is appropriate. Households should be advised that when a SSN is received, they should report it on a report form or by office contact. If at the time of the next renewal or 6 months following the birth, the baby does not have a number or the household cannot provide proof that a number has been requested, an SS-5 should be completed following procedures identified in the Enumeration Manual for duplicate numbers or the individual should be referred to SSA if they state it is an original request, unless good cause exists. If good cause does not exist, failure or refusal to furnish the SSN, or application for a number, results in ineligibility for the baby. Proof of a SSN application could be SSA-2853 [hospitals will use this form if an application has been made through Enumeration at Birth (EAB)], SSA-5028, Receipt for Application for SSN, completed by SSA when an individual applies for a number, SS-5, or signed statement from the SSA.

If the household is applying for assistance and has a child 6 months or younger, proof of an application for a Social Security number or the SSN must be provided before the child turns 7 months old, unless there is good cause. If good cause does not exist, failure or refusal to furnish the SSN or application for a social security number results in ineligibility for the newborn. NOTE: If an individual reports more than one SSN, all numbers should be documented. The Specialist should evaluate the numbers provided and enter the number which appears to be the individual’s primary SSN. Individuals reporting duplicate SSNs must be referred to the local Social Security Administration Office so SSA can clear their records. Example: Jane’s certification ends 06-31. On 05-29, she reported birth of her child on 05-25. Jane should be told she has until December 1 to provide a SSN for the child or proof that a number has been applied for, or good cause on why she does not have a number or proof of an application for a number for the baby. If she does not have good cause, and does not apply or provide the number, the baby is disqualified from receiving benefits.