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Page | 84 Examples of postponed verifications are: Social Security Numbers: Households must be asked to furnish or apply for a social security number for household members that wish to apply for benefits but will not be required to do so until after they have received their first allotment, if the application date is prior to the 16th of the month. Individuals unable to provide SSNs, do not have a SSN, or have not furnished proof of an application for a SSN after the postponed time frame has elapsed will be excluded. If the application is on the 16th of the month or later, the household members may postpone furnishing or applying for a social security number until the end of the second month.
Work registration: The applicant will be required to register for work unless exempt or unless the household has designated an authorized representative to apply on its behalf. The applicant may also register other non-exempt household members by completing the registration form, but registration of non-applicant members will be postponed if the registration cannot be accomplished within expedited time frames. Expedited benefits must not be delayed if work registration of the other members or questionable exemptions from registration cannot be accomplished within the time limit.
Citizenship: The citizenship status for all household members requesting benefits should be marked in the member panels on the DSS-EA-301, Economic Assistance Application. If citizenship status is not marked for all requesting household members, request the information during the interview, and if possible, have the applicant mark the status. If the applicant is unable to mark the status, the benefits specialist may mark the citizenship status, initial, date the change and have the applicant sign the application. Documentation in the record file is also essential. If an individual chooses not to provide citizenship status, he/she is an excluded member.
If a household member is listed as a non-citizen, and the applicant states the individual meets one of the non-citizen requirements, verification of the individual’s U.S. legal residency documentation may be postponed for the expedited month (or two months for combined allotments). Document what the applicant reports and how the non-citizen(s) meet eligibility requirements. If the individual is determined not to be eligible when the documentation is received, the household is responsible for any over issuance.
4700 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE (AR)
An adult who is aware of relevant household circumstances may be designated as an authorized representative (AR) when all responsible household members are unable to: Complete the application and/or renewal process and/or report changes; or Obtain and/or use benefits. There are two types of authorized representatives: 1. Needed for assisting in the application, renewal or reporting change process; and/or 2. Required for Community Support Provider facility or alcohol/drug center residents
The authorized representative must be appointed in writing and have knowledge of the household’s circumstances. If the authorized representative is completing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance application process on behalf of the household, their ID must be provided and verified. (see section 3100 for details on Identification) ID is not required for an AR if the AR is not applying for the applicant. Exception: Social Security numbers are not required for individuals under 6 months of age.