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State of Wisconsin |
HISTORY |
The policy on this page is from a previous version of the handbook.
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.
IM workers must 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. They must provide the SSN or proof of application within 30 days of the FoodShare application. Proof of an SSN application can be documentation, such as a letter from SSA, or collateral contact with the individual that assisted with the SSN application, such as a resettlement agency representative.
In cases where an application for SSN has been filed with the Social Security Administration, an SSN must be provided by the time of the next FoodShare renewal or FoodShare eligibility will be terminated for that individual. In addition, if eligibility for another program pends for an SSN and the SSN application date on file is six months or older, eligibility for FoodShare will also pend. Members must be given a minimum of 10 days to provide an SSN, but if they do not, FoodShare eligibility must be terminated for the individual.
Agencies must assist any household that requests help with applying for an SSN. “Assisting the applicant” may include helping with filing the Application for a Social Security Card form (SS-5)and obtaining a birth certificate or other document needed to apply for the SSN.
A parent of a newborn may begin an SSN application on the newborn’s behalf while still in the hospital. If the SSN has not been applied for, the worker will either need to assist in completing form SS-5 or require the parent to complete the application. A completed SS-5 is verification of application for an SSN for a newborn food unit member.
If the caretaker is unwilling to provide or apply for the SSN of a minor or 18-year-old, then the person with no SSN is ineligible.
An applicant does not need to provide a document or Social Security card. They only need to provide a number, which is verified through data exchanges.
Verify the SSN only once.
If the SSN validation process returns a mismatch record, the worker must first attempt to correct the mismatched information. If the worker is unable to correct the information, the worker must contact the member to correct the information.
The member should be informed if the SSN validation process indicates another individual is using the same SSN so the member can contact the Social Security Administration and request they conduct an investigation. The IM worker cannot provide the member with any information that would identify the individual who is using the member's SSN.
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 Application for a Social Security Card form (SS-5) is proof of application for an SSN for a newborn food unit member.
If the applicant or 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 newborn 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, they have satisfied the SSN application requirement.
Apply good cause if the applicant or member makes every effort to supply the information timely.
If they can show good cause, allow participation on a month-by-month basis.
If a FoodShare applicant refuses to provide an SSN for their self or any other household member based on a sincere religious objection, or both, allow them and all otherwise eligible members of the food unit to receive FoodShare.
The IM worker 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: 22-03
Release Date: 12/05/2022
Effective Date: 12/05/2022
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