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 an SSN:

  • 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 Detail page all other SSNs used (obtain a photocopy of all cards for the 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