SSN Procedures

Lost or No Social Security Number (SSN)

Applicants who have lost their Social Security card or don't have a SSN must:

  1. Take the “SSA Referral Notice” (MC 194) to the local Social Security office to get verification of an SSN application.
  2. Submit verification of a completed application.
  3. Provide SSN cards immediately upon receipt.

Note: Steps 1 and 2 above must be completed before payment is made.

Exception: Victims of human trafficking, other serious crimes or non-citizen victims of domestic violence (battered non-citizens) who are eligible for state-funded CalWORKs benefits do not have to provide or apply for a SSN.

Applicant Already has SSN

When an applicant already has a Social Security Number:

  • Make a photocopy of the Social Security Card and Image the copy into the case.
  • Enter the SSN in the Individual Demographics page of CalSAWS. If the applicant has more than one SSN, document on the Journal page all other Social Security Numbers used (obtain photocopy of all cards for case record).

Note: If a client has more than one SSN, make a referral to Social Security to determine the correct number and to have any appropriate action taken.

Newborn

When aid is requested for a newborn, the applicant must:

  • Either provide the SSA-2853 received at the hospital or take the MC 194 to the nearest Social Security Office and apply for an SSN.
  • Submit verification of the application (SSA-2853, MC 194 or receipt for SSN).

The SSN card must be provided immediately upon receipt.

Member Added to AU

Before a person without an SSN is added to the AU, the applicant must:

  • Take the MC 194 to the nearest Social Security Office and apply for an SSN.
  • Submit proof of a “completed” SSN application (MC 194, receipt for SSN, or other acceptable verification).

The SSN must be provided immediately upon receipt.

Related Topics

Rules