Section 121.22 Social Security Numbers

Section 121

Section 121.22  Social

Security Numbers

a)         With the exception of categorically eligible households and

households entitled to expedited service, all members of the food stamp

household must furnish to the Department social security numbers (SSNs) or

provide proof of application for a SSN.

b)         Households entitled to expedited services are asked to provide

a SSN or provide proof of application for a SSN prior to the authorization of

the household's first month of benefits.  If the household member or members do

not have one prior to the authorization of the next month's issuance, the

member or members shall be allowed to participate for the full month while

awaiting receipt of the SSN.  The provisions of (c), (f), (g) and (h) of this

Section are applicable to households entitled to expedited service.  However,

verification of the SSN is not required prior to certification of expedited

service.

c)         If more than one social security number has been assigned to

any individual, all numbers must be furnished.  If a social security number

cannot be furnished either because a social security number has not been issued

or is not known, application must be made for a social security number.

d)         For regular application processing and when a new member is

added, household members that have applied for a SSN are allowed to participate

for one full month of benefits.  If the initial month of benefits is prorated,

the household member may participate for the initial month of prorated benefits

and the first full month of benefits.  If the SSN is not received by the end of

the household member's first full month of participation, the household member

is disqualified unless good cause exists.  See subsections (g) and (h) for good

cause definition.

e)         Foodstamp units with a newborn have until their next

recertification or six months from the date of the infant's birth, whichever is

later, to submit proof of application for a SSN for the infant

the end of

the household member's first full month of participation, the household member

is disqualified unless good cause exists.  See subsections (g) and (h) for good

cause definition.

e)         Foodstamp units with a newborn have until their next

recertification or six months from the date of the infant's birth, whichever is

later, to submit proof of application for a SSN for the infant.

f)         A household member who refuses to furnish the social security

number to the Department, refuses to allow verification such as a social

security card or W-2 Form or refuses to apply for a social security number is

ineligible to participate in the food stamp program until the requirement is

met.

g)         Good cause for failure to provide a SSN exists if the

household member can provide documentary evidence that the household member has

applied for the number and made every effort to supply the Social Security

Administration (SSA) with any necessary information such as a birth certificate.

If the household does show good cause, benefits are allowed pending receipt of

the SSN card.

h)         A household member who has provided any needed information

will not be disqualified if the SSN is not received from the Social Security

Administration within the prescribed time limits.