(A)Do all assistance group members haveWhat happens when an assistance group member refuses or fails
to provide a social security number (SSN) to be eligible
for benefits?
When
an assistance group member refuses to provide his or her SSN, he or she, as an
individual, is ineligible to participate unless they provide good cause as
described in paragraph (C) of this rule. This disqualification applies to the
individual for which the number is not provided (including the child who is
under eighteen whose parent has refused to cooperate for him or her) and not to
the entire assistance group. The earned or unearned income of an individual
disqualified for failure to comply with this requirement shall be treated as
described in rule 5101:4-6-13 of the Administrative Code. Prior notice requirements shall be followed before the
assistance group's benefit level can be decreased. The disqualified assistance
group member may become eligible upon providing the county agency with an SSN.
(1)When an assistance group member refuses
or fails to provide his or her SSN, he or she, as an individual, is ineligible
to participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) unless
they provide good cause as described in paragraph (C) of this rule.
(2)The disqualification applies to the
individual for which the number is not provided (including the child who is
under eighteen whose parent has refused or failed to cooperate for him or her)
and not to the entire assistance group.
(3)The earned or unearned income and
resources of an individual disqualified for failure to comply with this
requirement is to be treated as in accordance with rule 5101:4-6-13 of the
Administrative Code. Prior notice requirements are to be followed before the
assistance group's benefit level can be decreased.
(4)The disqualified assistance group member
may become eligible upon providing the county agency with an SSN.
(B)How is good
cause determined?
In determining when good cause exists for failure to comply with
the SSN requirement, the county agency shall consider information from:
(1)The assistance
group member;
(2)The social
security administration (SSA); and
(3)The case file
(especially if when the
county agency failed to refer the assistance group member to SSA, or SSA did
not process the referral and/or SSN application in a timely manner).
(C)What is
considered good cause?
Documentary evidence or collateral information that the
assistance group member has applied for a SSN or made every effort to supply
SSA with the necessary information to complete an application for a SSN shall
be considered good cause for not complying on a timely basis with this
requirement.
(D)What is not
considered good cause?
Good cause does not include delays due to illness, lack of
transportation or temporary absences. SSA makes provisions for mail-in
applications in lieu of applying in person.
(E)How is good
cause handled?
(1)The When the assistance
group member demonstrates good cause for why an
application has not been completed in a timely manner, the assistance group
member shall be allowed to participate for one month in addition to the
month of application.
(2)When an
assistance group member applying for a SSN has been unable to obtain the
documents required by SSA, the county agency shall make every effort to assist
the individual in obtaining these documents.
(3)The assistance
group must demonstrate good cause for failure to apply each month in order for
the assistance group member to continue to participate.
(4)Once an
application has been filed, the county agency shall permit the member to
continue to participate pending notification of the assistance group member's
SSN.
(5)When an
assistance group is unable to provide proof of application for a SSN for a
newborn, the assistance group shall provide the SSN or proof of application at
its next reapplication recertification
or within six months following the month the baby is born, whichever is
later. When an assistance group is unable to provide a SSN or proof of
application for a SSN at its next reapplication recertification or within six months following the
baby's birth, the county agency shall determine if there is good cause.
Effective: 5/1/2022
Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 1/28/2022 and 05/01/2027
Certification: CERTIFIED ELECTRONICALLY
Date: 04/18/2022
Promulgated Under: 111.15
Statutory Authority: 5101.54
Rule Amplifies: 329.04, 329.042, 5101.54
Prior Effective Dates: 04/01/1981, 06/01/1983, 09/24/1983,
09/03/1986 (Emer.), 10/25/1986, 01/16/1987 (Emer.), 04/06/1987, 04/10/1987
(Emer.), 06/22/1987, 08/01/1992 (Emer.), 10/30/1992, 04/01/1997 (Emer.),
06/06/1997, 09/01/2006, 12/01/2011, 01/01/2017