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201.8 TANF MANUAL 7/22 Page 1a

C. Failure to Comply - In instances where the recipient refuses to furnish an SSN or application for an SSN for anyone for whom assistance is requested or received, assistance is terminated for that individual. To determine if the recipient is refusing to provide the needed information, the recipient must be given the opportunity to cooperate, and must clearly demonstrate that he/she will not obtain the necessary information.

D. Determining Good Cause - In determining if good cause exists for failure to comply with the requirements to provide an SSN, the local agency must consider information from the assistance unit and SSA. The agency must verify and evaluate the recipient's circumstances to determine if there is good cause for the recipient not correcting either agency or SSA records by the next renewal of eligibility. Good cause for failing to apply for a number includes documentary evidence or collateral information that the assistance unit has made every effort to supply SSA with the necessary information to complete an application for an SSN. Good cause does not include delays due to illness, lack of transportation or temporary absences, because SSA makes provisions for mailing in applications for SSNs. If an assistance unit can show good cause why an application for an SSN has not been completed, the member in question shall be allowed to be included for one month in addition to the month of application for TANF. Good cause for failure to apply must be shown monthly thereafter in order for such an assistance unit member to continue to be eligible. The agency must advise the household that proof of the application for an SSN from SSA will be required prior to renewal, and suggest that the household member ask the SSA for proof of the application for an SSN. Request this information on a verification checklist.

If the assistance unit is unable to obtain the documents required by SSA in order to apply for an SSN, the eligibility worker shall assist the individual in obtaining these documents.

The case record must be thoroughly documented to indicate the agency's determination of good cause for the recipients not providing the requested information concerning an SSN. Assistance will not be terminated for any individual if good cause is determined to exist for that individual. If good cause is not established, only the assistance for the individual not providing needed information will be terminated.

TANF Transmittal 74