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State of Wisconsin |
HISTORY |
The policy on this page is from a previous version of the handbook.
3.13.1.2 SSN Application for Newborns
7 CFR 273.6
A food unit participating in or applying for FoodShare must provide the SSN of each food unit member who is requesting benefits. Individuals without an SSN must apply for one before certification. If anyone has more than one number, all numbers must be provided.
Explain that failure to provide an SSN will disqualify the person without the SSN. Allow the SSN applicant to participate on a month by month basis, while awaiting receipt of the SSN. He or she must provide the SSN or proof of application within 30 days of the FoodShare application.
A completed form SS-5 is proof of application for an SSN for a newborn food unit member.
Providing an SSN is voluntary, but if an individual applying for FoodShare refuses to provide an SSN, they will be denied and their income will be deemed to the group. Any food unit member who does not provide an SSN is ineligible. The only exception is if there is good cause for not providing it. Disqualify only the person without the SSN, not the entire food unit.
For a newborn member, verify the SSN or that an application for an SSN has been made. Do not deny benefits pending issuance of an SSN if you have documented an SSN application has been made. A parent of a newborn may begin an SSN application while still in the hospital.
A completed form SS-5 is proof of application for an SSN for a newborn food unit member.
If the applicant/member is unable to provide proof of application for an SSN for a newborn, the member must provide the SSN or proof of application at the next renewal. If the member is unable to provide an SSN or proof of application for an SSN at the next renewal, review good cause exceptions. Deny FoodShare benefits for the baby if the food unit refuses to provide an SSN for the baby without good cause.
Use information from the food unit member, the SSA, your agency, and any other sources to determine good cause. If the member has applied for an SSN, he or she satisfies the requirement.
Apply good cause if the applicant/member makes every effort to supply the information timely.
If he or she can show good cause, allow participation on a month by month basis.
If a FoodShare applicant refuses to provide an SSN for him or herself and/or any other household member based on a sincere religious objection, allow him or her and all otherwise eligible members of the food unit to receive FoodShare.
You may check with the SSA or query whether an SSN already exists for the person, and use any existing SSN for verification and matching purposes without further notice to the food unit member.
This page last updated in Release Number: 13-02
Release Date: 10/29/13
Effective Date: 10/29/13
Notice: The content within this manual is the sole responsibility of the State of Wisconsin's Department of Health Services (DHS). This site will link to sites outside of DHS where appropriate. DHS is in no way responsible for the content of sites outside of DHS.
Publication Number: P-16001