3-001.07 Social Security Number (SSN):

475 NAC 3-001.07

All household members applying for participation in the Food Stamp Program must provide their SSN. If an applicant household member does not have an SSN , s/he must apply for one before certification unless s/he has good cause for failure to apply.

Providing the SSN is voluntary, however failure to provide or apply for an SSN will result in the denial of food stamp benefits to each individual failing to provide an SSN. A household member with more than one SSN must provide all of them. The SSN of a non-participating household member will be used in computer matching and program reviews or audits in the same manner as the SSN of a participating household member.

To be eligible, a household member who previously has not provided an SSN must:

1. Provide the local office with his/her SSN;

2. Demonstrate that application has been made for an SSN; or

3. Demonstrate that s/he has attempted to supply the documentation required for an SSN.

Parents of a newborn child may apply for an SSN for the child at the hospital when this service is available. A household must provide proof of application for an SSN for a newborn child or within six months following the month the baby is born or at its next recertification, whichever is later.

Enumeration at Birth: The parent makes application for an SSN by allowing hospital staff to provide information concerning the child to the Social Security Administration. This process is known as 'Enumeration at Birth'. A photocopy of such a birth certificate used as an application for an SSN made on the child's behalf is acceptable verification.
If enumeration at birth occurred at the hospital and an N-FOCUS Alert is received on the birth documenting enumeration at birth, no other actions are required. If the parent/payee did not participate in enumeration at birth for the newborn, refer the parent or the payee to the Social Security Administration with a Form IM-68. Remind the parent(s) to provide the newborn's SSN when it is received.

The application cannot be delayed pending the verification of an SSN.

The procedures for households with members having no SSN:
  1. Complete Form IM-68 "Referral for Social Security Number Application";
  2. Give the client the original Form IM-68 and file the copy in the case file;
 
Note: The client is required to apply for an SSN within 30 days of the date s/he is given Form IM-68.
  3. Refer clients to the local Social Security Office to obtain an SSN;
  4. After the application for an SSN has been filed, allow the client to continue to participate during the period the SSN is being obtained; and
  5. The Social Security Office will complete the bottom portion of Form IM-68 and return it to the local office. In addition, SSA will issue Form SSA-5028 as verification of application if the client requests.
For households entitled to expedited services, see, 475 NAC 2-004.01, "Expedited Service."
Providing the SSN of each household member is voluntary; however, failure to provide an SSN without good cause will result in the denial of food stamp benefits to each individual failing to provide an SSN. SSNs of non-participating household members provided by the household will be used in computer matching and program reviews or audits in the same manner as the SSNs of eligible household members.
Information for processing household members refusing to apply for or provide SSNs is located at 475 NAC 3-002.06, "Treatment of Income, Resources, and Deductions of Household Members Ineligible Due to Failure to Provide an SSN and Ineligible ABAWDs."

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3-001.07A Applying for a Social Security Number

3-001.07B Good Cause

3-001.07C Ending Disqualification

3-001.07D Use of the Social Security Number

3-001.07E Verification of Social Security Numbers