Kansas Family Medical Assistance
Manual (KFMAM)
Eligibility Policy - 11/21/2024
02000 >>> 02030
02020
02030 Social Security Numbers -
2031 Social Security Numbers - As a condition of eligibility, a Social Security number must be provided for each applicant (with the exception of newborns and certain qualifying non-citizens - see 2032), or an application filed for one before assistance is approved.
For those individuals who provide an SSN prior to approval or during any contact, the specialist shall record the SSN and verify it according to 2031.01(1). For those individuals required to provide an SSN who do not have one, an application for a Social Security number must be completed. The SSN application must be made at the local SSA office and verification of that application from SSA must be provided before approval.
Individuals who do not know if they have an SSN or who are unable to find their SSN shall be referred to the local SSA office to obtain their SSN.
An SSN may be applied for a newborn child through the SSA's Enumeration at Birth process. If individuals have more than one number, all numbers shall be provided. The specialist shall explain to clients that refusal or failure without good cause to provide or apply for an SSN will result in exclusion of the individual for whom an SSN is not provided. The individual that has applied for an SSN shall be allowed to participate pending receipt of an SSN.
2031.01 Verification of SSN - 1) – Social Security number(s) reported by the client requesting coverage shall be verified by an automated match with the Social Security Administration through the Federal Hub. If unable to verify SSN through the Federal Data Hub, staff should navigate to EATSS to determine if SSNs are verified by using the F10 (pop-up) function as explained in the KAECSES AE User Manual. In addition, either BENDEX or SDX will provide a verified SSN for those individuals receiving either SSA or SSI benefits.
(2) - If the individual's SSN is not verified in the above- mentioned process, the individual may provide proof of their SSN by supplying a copy of their Social Security card or other official document containing the SSN. Often, an SSN may be unverified due to a name or date of birth difference between our records and those owned by SSA.
(3) - If the individual's SSN has not been verified as described in item (1) and they have no Social Security card or other official document containing the SSN an application for a replacement Social Security card must be requested. The person should be referred to the appropriate SSA office. Refer to 2036. Proof from SSA that the individual has applied for the replacement Social Security card shall meet the SSN verification provision pending receipt of further documentation.
(4) - When a copy of the individual's Social Security card has been provided, it shall be maintained in the case file indefinitely. If applicable, a copy of the SSN-1 or any Enumeration at Birth documents should be included.
(5) - A verified SSN shall be reverified only if the identity of the individual or the SSN becomes questionable.
2032 Participation Without an SSN - If any client is unable to provide an SSN, that individual must apply for one prior to approval. The individual must apply for the required SSN at the Social Security Office and verification of application for the number is required. The individual who is unable to provide an SSN but has applied for one may receive assistance pending receipt of the required Social Security number. When the client submits proof of application for an SSN, the individual may participate throughout the duration of the review period. (This includes SSNs applied for through the SSA's Enumeration at Birth process.) If the SSN has not been reported by the time of the next review, it should be requested at that time. If the client has the SSN but fails or refuses to provide it, the individual is ineligible per 2034. If the client claims they did not receive an SSN, or that they received the number but have subsequently lost it, they must begin the process again by applying for a replacement card at the district SSA office. Once the client reapplies for a number and provides documentation, they may receive assistance until the next review.
Qualifying non-citizens under 2043 are exempt from providing or applying for an SSN prior to approval.
If proof of application for an SSN for a newborn cannot be provided, the SSN or proof of application must be provided at the next review or within 6 months following the month the child is born, whichever is later. If an SSN or proof of application for an SSN cannot be provided at the next review or within 6 months following the baby's birth, the State agency shall determine if the good cause provisions of 2033 are applicable.
NOTE: Based on SSA's Enumeration at Birth process, a parent can apply for an SSN for a newborn child through the process of initiating a birth certificate at the hospital. If he or she does so, documentation that an SSN has been applied for can be acquired from the hospital in one of the two ways. For hospitals submitting birth registration information to the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics electronically (through the Electronic Birth Certificates or EBC process), a letter on the hospital stationery is acceptable. This letter must be titled "Birth Confirmation Letter," contain information about the birth and a statement confirming the SSN application and be signed and dated by an authorized hospital official. For hospitals which do not use the electronic process, a copy of form SSA-2853 which is given to the parent is acceptable. The SSA-2853 form must contain the name of the newborn as well as the date and signature of an authorized hospital official to be considered valid documentation. A copy of the letter or form is to be included in the case file. If the letter or form is not available, a copy of the child's certified birth certificate showing that the Enumeration process was elected is also acceptable documentation.
2033 Good Cause for Participation Without a Social Security Number (SSN) - The client who establishes good cause for failure to apply for an SSN shall be allowed to receive assistance for 1 month in addition to the month of application. For benefits to continue past these 2 months, good cause for failure to apply must be shown and documented on a monthly basis.
In determining if good cause exists for failure to comply with the requirement to apply for or provide an SSN, the specialist shall consider information from the individual, SSA, and any other appropriate sources. Documentary evidence or collateral information that the individual has applied for an SSN or made every effort to supply the necessary documents to complete an application for an SSN shall be considered good cause for not complying timely with this requirement. Good cause does not include delays due to illness, lack of transportation, or temporary absences because SSA makes provisions for mailing applications in lieu of applying in person. If the individual can show good cause why an application for an SSN has not been completed in a timely manner, that person shall be eligible for assistance for 1 month in addition to the month of application. Good cause for failure to apply must be shown monthly after the initial 2 months for such an individual to continue to participate. Good cause must be documented to support the decision to allow the individual to receive assistance pending application for an SSN.
Non-citizen applicants who qualify for a non-work SSN (see those under 2043) only are not required to apply for or provide an SSN to the agency as a condition of eligibility. They may be approved without an SSN under the good cause provision.
2034 Refusal or Failure to Provide or Apply for SSN - An individual who has without good cause refused or failed to provide an SSN or to apply for one shall be ineligible for assistance. The eligibility and amount of benefits for any remaining family or household members shall be determined. The income of the excluded individual shall be considered.
The individual excluded for failure or refusal to provide or to apply for an SSN may become eligible upon providing the agency with an SSN or proof of application for the required number. The report of this number or proof of application for such number shall be treated as a reported change and benefits affected as outlined in 7140.
2035 Use of SSN - The agency is authorized to use SSNs in the administration of the medical program. The SSN shall be used in accessing KSES records of wages and benefits. To the extent determined by Health and Human Services, the agency shall have access to information regarding individual clients who receive benefits under Titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act to determine eligibility to receive assistance and the amount of assistance or to verify information related to the benefits of these clients. The specialist should use the BENDEX and SDX to the greatest extent possible. Social Security numbers also should be used to prevent duplicate participation and to determine the accuracy and/or reliability of information given by the client or household.
2036 Referral Procedure for Applying for an SSN - The following referral procedure shall be used for persons who must apply for an SSN.
2036.02 - The client is to take the referral form along with the necessary supporting documentation to the SSA office when he or she applies. Sufficient time should be given for the client to accomplish this.
2036.03 - Once the client has applied, SSA will return the referral indicating the action taken. If the application process was completed, the client meets the SSN requirement and can be approved for assistance. If the individual could not, without good cause, complete the process, he or she is ineligible for assistance per 2034.
2036.04 - A copy of the completed referral form is to be kept in the case file as proof of application for an SSN.
2036.05 - If the person is unable to apply in person at the SSA office (e.g., transportation problems, accessibility to office, physical limitations, etc.) this same procedure can be used on a mail-in-basis or as directed by the SSA office.
Staff should inform the client of the necessary documentation needed and direct the client to contact the SSA office for any additional information.
In certain instances, a client may have previously applied for a number prior to the request for assistance. A receipt from SSA acknowledging the application is still acceptable proof for meeting the SSN requirement.