504 Social Security Number

Individuals wanting to participate in SNAP who do not have an SSN, do not know if they have one, or are unable to find one, must apply for a SSN with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Proof of application Filing a signed Application for Assistance via paper application or through the self-service portal of the eligibility system to establish eligibility and assign a review period. for an SSN from SSA is required before the initial eligibility determination. Generally, the SSA uses the Receipt for Application for a Social Security Number, Form SSA-5028, as proof an individual applied for an SSN.

If the household is unable to provide proof of application for a SSN for a newborn, the household must provide the SSN or proof of application at its next recertification or within six months following the month the baby is born, whichever is later. If the household is unable to provide an SSN or proof of application for a SSN within those time frames, the eligibility staff member will determine if good cause is applicable.

Generally, the SSN application process is begun while the mother is still in the hospital. If an SSN application is made for a newborn prior to the mother leaving the hospital, the application for an SSN from the hospital is acceptable verification Third-party information or documentation used to establish the accuracy of statements..

The eligibility staff member must consider information from the household, the SSA, and any information the OPA may have to determine if good cause exists for an individual not applying for or providing an SSN.

Good cause exists if documentary or collateral information shows that the household member has applied for a SSN, and the individual has made every effort to provide the SSA with the necessary

information to complete an application for the SSN.

When the household or someone acting on its behalf has a sincere religious objection to providing an SSN or applying for a SSN, all household members may participate in the program if otherwise eligible Having met the qualifications to receive a SNAP benefit by meeting the specified nonfinancial and financial requirements of eligibility..

Good cause does not include delays due to illness, lack of transportation or temporary absences. The SSA makes provisions for mail in applications in lieu of applying in person.

If the household member can show good cause why an application for a SSN has not been completed in a timely manner, that person is allowed to participate for one month in addition to the month of application. If the household member applying for a SSN has been unable to obtain the documents required by SSA, the eligibility staff member makes every effort to assist in obtaining these documents. Good cause for failure to apply for an SSN must be shown monthly for the household member to continue to participate. Once an application has been filed, the household member continues to participate, pending notification of the member’s SSN.

If a household member does not apply without good cause for a SSN or does not provide their SSN, that individual is ineligible Not qualified to receive benefits because of not meeting one or more of the specified nonfinancial or financial requirements of eligibility. to participate in SNAP. Ineligibility applies to the individual for whom the SSN is not provided and not to the entire household.

An ineligible household member may establish eligibility by providing an SSN or verifying the member has applied for one. SSNs are entered into the the integrated eligibility system system. The number is verified through a computer interface with SSA.