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To qualify for benefits, a person must either:
· Give a valid Social Security number (SSN); or
· Give proof that the person has applied to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for an SSN or a replacement card.
Exception:
A person does not have to give a valid SSN or apply for one if any of the following apply:
· Cannot legally get an SSN
· Is an active member of a recognized religious group that objects to getting an SSN
· Is not applying for benefits
NOTE A person may voluntarily give the SSNs of family members who are not applying to help verify family income.
Term |
Definition |
Social Security Number (SSN) |
A unique number assigned by the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) to persons living in the United States and to persons who work in other countries for United States companies. A person must have an SSN to be employed, pay taxes, collect Social Security benefits and to qualify for credit accounts. |
Proof of a person’s SSN includes:
· An electronic response from SSA that says the SSN is assigned to that person
· An official Social Security card issued by the SSA
· An official document from SSA that contains the person’s name and SSN
Proof that the person has applied for an SSN or replacement card includes:
· Receipt for an Application For an SSN (SSA-5028) form
· A Referral for Social Security Number (DE-129) form, completed by SSA
· For a newborn, a Message from Social Security (SSA-2853-OP4) form
Program |
Legal authorities |
All programs except KidsCare |
42 CFR 435.910 AAC R9-22-305(2) |
KidsCare |
42 CFR 457.340 |