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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.
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Term |
Definition |
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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
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Program |
Legal authorities |
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All programs except KidsCare |
42 CFR 435.910 AAC R9-22-305(2) |
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KidsCare |
42 CFR 457.340 |