Section 121.22  Social Security Numbers

a)         With the exception of categorically eligible households and households entitled to expedited service, all members of the food stamp household must furnish to the Department social security numbers (SSNs) or provide proof of application for a SSN.

b)         Households entitled to expedited services are asked to provide a SSN or provide proof of application for a SSN prior to the authorization of the household's first month of benefits.  If the household member or members do not have one prior to the authorization of the next month's issuance, the member or members shall be allowed to participate for the full month while awaiting receipt of the SSN.  The provisions of (c), (f), (g) and (h) of this Section are applicable to households entitled to expedited service.  However, verification of the SSN is not required prior to certification of expedited service.

c)         If more than one social security number has been assigned to any individual, all numbers must be furnished.  If a social security number cannot be furnished either because a social security number has not been issued or is not known, application must be made for a social security number.

d)         For regular application processing and when a new member is added, household members that have applied for a SSN are allowed to participate for one full month of benefits.  If the initial month of benefits is prorated, the household member may participate for the initial month of prorated benefits and the first full month of benefits.  If the SSN is not received by the end of the household member's first full month of participation, the household member is disqualified unless good cause exists.  See subsections (g) and (h) for good cause definition.

e)         Foodstamp units with a newborn have until their next recertification or six months from the date of the infant's birth, whichever is later, to submit proof of application for a SSN for the infant.

f)         A household member who refuses to furnish the social security number to the Department, refuses to allow verification such as a social security card or W-2 Form or refuses to apply for a social security number is ineligible to participate in the food stamp program until the requirement is met.

g)         Good cause for failure to provide a SSN exists if the household member can provide documentary evidence that the household member has applied for the number and made every effort to supply the Social Security Administration (SSA) with any necessary information such as a birth certificate.  If the household does show good cause, benefits are allowed pending receipt of the SSN card.

h)         A household member who has provided any needed information will not be disqualified if the SSN is not received from the Social Security Administration within the prescribed time limits.

(Source:  Amended at 22 Ill. Reg. 20099, effective November 1, 1998)