309.01 SSN Eligibility and Applicant Notification Requirement SR 99-03, 02/99 (FAM-A)

The law requires that group members furnish a social security number or verification of an application for one before receiving benefits.

Exceptions:

• Furnishing an SSN is not an eligibility requirement for HKS medical coverage.

• Good Cause: If applicants cannot provide an SSN or provide verification of an application for one due to a reason beyond their control, they may nevertheless be eligible. The District Office Supervisor determines good cause, with the initial approval period not to exceed 6 months. DFA may extend good cause up to a maximum of 1 year.

Example:

An individual cannot furnish an SSN because the town clerk’s office is unable to process the request for verification in a timely way. The individual’s inability to provide an SSN is beyond their control and good cause can be determined.

• Newborn children: A newborn’s SSN requirement may be postponed for 1 year from the date of birth, as long as the mother is a current MA recipient at the time of the birth, remains eligible for (but is not necessarily receiving) MA, and lives with the newborn. If the mother was not an MA recipient at the time of the birth, the newborn may receive benefits until the end of the month following the month in which the child’s mother is discharged from the hospital.

Notify applicants of the above requirements and provide them with Form 758, Notification of Social Security Enumeration Requirement. Explain how the SSN will be used and that it is required by Section 137 of Public Law 92-603.