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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES NONFINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

10/24 VOLUME V, PART VII, PAGE 13

G. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS (7 CFR 273.6)

1. Requirements for Participation

An applicant must provide the local agency with the Social Security number (SSN) of each household member or apply for a number before certification. This provision applies to participating or applying households.

During the eligibility interview, the BPS must explain to the applicant or participant that, without good cause, refusal or failure to provide or apply for an SSN will result in disqualification of the individual for whom the number is not obtained.

If an individual has more than one SSN, the BPS must request and the household must provide all the numbers.

2. Obtaining a Social Security Number

For individuals who provide the SSN before certification or at any other time, the BPS must record the SSN and verify it according to Part III.A.1.i and Part III.F.1.

For individuals who do not have a SSN, those who do not know if they have a number, those who are unable to find and therefore cannot provide their number or those whose numbers appear questionable, the BPS must direct the household to submit Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Number, to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The BPS must advise the household where to file the application for an SSN and discuss what evidence will be needed to obtain an SSN. Evidence needed includes a U.S. public record of birth established before age five or other verification of birth, such as religious records whose validity is not questionable, or hospital records, if they can be verified by the SSA. While religious and hospital records will entitle the individual to an SSN, further proof of birth is required by the SSA to establish eligibility for Social Security benefits.

If the household is unable to provide proof of application for the number for a newborn, the household must provide the number or proof of application at its next recertification or within six months, whichever is later. If the household is unable to provide the number or proof of application within the time allowed, the BPS must determine if good cause provisions exist.

The BPS must advise the household that proof of the application for an SSN from SSA will be required prior to certification, and suggest that the household member ask the SSA for proof of the application for an SSN. The “Receipt for Application for a Social Security Number” may be used for this purpose. The local agency may also devise a form for this purpose; however, the local agency must consult with the Regional SNAP Consultant before using such a form.

3. Failure to Comply (7 CFR 273.6(c))

If the BPS determines that a household has refused or failed to show good cause to provide the number or apply for a number, the individual without the SSN is disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits. The disqualification applies only to the individual for whom the

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