10. Do you have to have a Social Security number?

You must provide a Social Security number for every person in your family who is applying for benefits. You can provide the numbers orally or in writing. You do not have to show any Social Security cards. 106 C.M.R. § 701.230. DTA will do a computer check to see if the Social Security numbers you gave match the people in your family.

If you do not have a Social Security number for someone in your family who is applying for benefits, DTA may require you to apply for a number and provide verification from the Social Security office that you have applied. If you are not sure about a number, DTA may require you to ask Social Security to check the number and provide verification of your request. Your TAFDC cannot be delayed or denied while you are waiting for a number. See Appendix E (DTA Online Guide Links).

You do not have to apply for or give DTA a Social Security number if you are not seeking TAFDC for yourself because of your immigration status. You can still get TAFDC for your children if they qualify for Social Security numbers.

Advocacy Reminders

• DTA will check your number with Social Security, so it is important to give DTA the correct number. If you are not sure, ask Social Security to check. You can get TAFDC while Social Security is checking.
• If you are a noncitizen who meets TAFDC or SNAP (food stamp) noncitizen requirements but you are not eligible for a regular SSN, Social Security must issue you a non-work SSN. This may apply to a battered non-citizen who has applied for legal status as a victim of domestic violence or to certain Cuban-Haitian entrants. See Questions 8 - 9. To get a non-work SSN you will need a letter from DTA saying you otherwise qualify for a benefit.
• If you are a domestic violence survivor (citizen or noncitizen) who is concerned about safety, you can request that DTA not use your SSN. See DTA Field Operations Memo 2005-42 (Sept. 8, 2005).