Social Security Numbers (SSN)

(A) Requirements. (1) A Social Security Number (SSN) must be given for each applicant for TAFDC or EAEDC, unless good cause exists in accordance with 106 CMR 701.230(C). (2) If an SSN cannot be given for each applicant applying for TAFDC or EAEDC, the applicant must provide to the Department written verification from SSA stating that the SSN cannot be provided, but that person: (a) has applied for an SSN; or (b) has asked that an already-existing SSN be validated. (3) TAFDC or EAEDC may not be denied, delayed or decreased while waiting for the issuance or verification of an SSN if the applicant or client has met the requirements specified in 106 CMR 701.230(A) and (B). (4) Each applicant for TAFDC or EAEDC who does not meet the SSN requirement must be excluded from the assistance unit. An otherwise eligible applicant or client excluded from the assistance unit for not meeting the SSN requirements becomes eligible upon meeting these requirements. (5) A temporary identification number shall be provided for an applicant or client who is an expectant mother in the 33 week of pregnancy as a single grantee or a child younger than rd four months old. This number shall be valid for not more than three months. Failure to provide a valid SSN within three months shall result in the termination of the client's benefits until a valid SSN is provided and verified by the Department. 106 CMR 701.230(A)(5) shall not apply to clients who are present in the United States under one of the eligible noncitizen statuses as described in 106 CMR 703.430(A): Eligible TAFDC Noncitizen Status or 703.440(A): Eligible Noncitizen EAEDC Status or a victim of domestic violence who has a pending petition for legal status under the federal Violence Against Women Act. (B) Verification. (1) The Department verifies the SSN of each applicant for TAFDC or EAEDC by computer match with SSA. (2) Any applicant or client who cannot give an SSN, who cannot have an SSN verified by Social Security Administration (SSA) computer match or has more than one SSN is verified by SSA computer match, must provide a written statement from SSA, verifying that he or she has applied for an SSN, has applied to have an already-existing number validated, or has made every effort to supply SSA with the information necessary to apply for an SSN, or to apply to have an already-existing number validated. Once the SSN has been issued or validated, the Department will verify the SSN by computer match with SSA. (C) Determining Good Cause. (1) Good cause for failure to comply with 106 CMR 701.230(A) exists when there is evidence or collateral information that the applicant or client has made every effort to provide SSA the necessary information to apply for an SSN or to apply to have an already-existing SSN validated. Good cause must be verified monthly until the SSN is provided and verified by computer match with SSA in accordance with 106 CMR 701.230(A)(3). (2) Good cause for failure to comply with 106 CMR 701.230(A) exists when a noncitizen indicates an unwillingness or inability to provide, or apply for, an SSN due to immigration status in accordance with 106 CMR 703.430: TAFDC Noncitizen Status. The noncitizen however, must be excluded from the assistance unit. (D) Right to Know Uses of Social Security Numbers. The applicant or client has the right to know how the Department will use his or her SSN and the SSNs of all members of the assistance unit. At the time the applicant is given the application form and at reevaluation, he or she will also be given written notice on a form prescribed by the Department explaining the following: (1) The Department will use the SSN to prevent duplicate participation, to facilitate mass changes in benefits and to determine the accuracy of the information given by the applicant or client; (2) SSNs will be computer cross-checked with SSNs appearing in other personal data files; and (3) The Department will regularly use the SSN to obtain and use wage and benefit information from other sources for verifying eligibility for TAFDC or EAEDC and the grant amount. These sources include, but are not limited to, any federal or state agency, providers under contract with the Department, welfare departments in other states and banks and other financial institutions. The Department need not get prior approval of the applicant or client to use the information from the sources and for the reasons stated in 106 CMR 701.230(D).