0205.010.00  Social Security Number (SSN)

13 CSR 40-2.310(1)(C) requires application for and divulgence of a person's SSN as a condition of eligibility for Temporary Assistance.

The following must either furnish their SSN to FSD, or if they do not have one, apply for a SSN and provide verification of such application as a condition of eligibility:

1. each paid caretaker (parent, NPCR, or legal guardian included in the assistance group);
2. each parent whose needs are not included but whose income is or would be if they had income (i.e., a sanctioned parent);
3. each second parent;
4. each eligible child.

Advise the family of the law [Section 402(a)(25) of the Social Security Act] that requires a SSN. Explain that the SSN is utilized in administering the Temporary Assistance program.  See the General Information Manual for how to verify SSNs.

0205.010.05 Citizens and Non-citizens Without an SSN

For U.S. citizens, prior to approval, the Temporary Assistance participant must apply for an SSN for each person without a number.  The individual must provide required evidence of age, identity, and citizenship to SSA as a condition of eligibility.

For non-citizens, prior to approval, refer the Temporary Assistance non-citizen to the local SSA office, using form SSN-1.  The individual must complete an application for a SSN.

0205.010.10 Failure to Complete an SSN Application

Individuals failing to complete an application for an SSN or failing to verify an existing SSN are not eligible for assistance.  Do not include their needs in the budget.  Budget their gross income, if any, in the 185 percent test and the need determination.  For earned income, allow only the standard work expense and any child care expense paid, up to the maximum.

When processing applications containing individuals who have not applied for an SSN or who have not verified an existing number, use the following procedures.

1. At application, give the family a reasonable length of time (up to 15 days) to apply for the SSN or replacement card, entering this date on the SSN-1.  If sending the claimant a request for information form, notate the claimant must apply for the SSN on that form.
2. If no response is received from SSA within two days following the date given on the SSN-1, inform the family that an SSN application needs to be completed.
3. If SSA returns the SSN-1 indicating the SSN application was not completed, immediately inform the family the SSN application must be completed.  Assist the family in any way possible to get this completed.
4. For cases in which some assistance group members have complied, while others have not, by the 30th day following application, use the following procedures.
   1. Approve other members of the assistance group if eligible.  Leave the non-compliant individual(s) in pending status.  Do not include their needs in the budget.  Include their income.
   2. Notify the family of approval.
   3. Notify the family that the non-compliant individual is still pending because we do not have the SSN or proof of application.
   4. When the individual complies, add them to the case, or approve the case, recommending any retroactive payments necessary.  Notify the family of this action.
   5. If the individual refuses to comply, do not include their needs in determining the amount of cash assistance.  Notify the family that the individual is ineligible.
5. If the non-compliant individual is the only eligible child or if all members of the assistance group do not comply, deny the application after the 45th day and notify the family.
6. Individuals denied due to failure to apply for, or disclose, an existing SSN must verify they have complied and reapply to receive assistance.  Their eligibility begins no earlier than the date they comply.  Determine cooperation on this factor at each reinvestigation.

0205.010.15  Refusal to Apply for or Furnish an SSN

Do not deny or delay assistance pending issuance of an SSN; however, refusal to furnish or apply for an SSN causes the individual for whom such number is not furnished or applied for, to be ineligible for cash assistance.

Do not consider the needs of any individual, including children, for whom an SSN is not furnished or applied for in determining family need and the assistance grant amount.  Do not count this individual as a member of the assistance group for purposes of determining the amount of the standard.

Use this individual's gross income, less overhead expenses, in the 185 percent income eligibility test, need and grant determination.  For earned income, allow only the standard work expense deduction and child care expense, up to the maximum.