Section 7.00 Social Security Number (SSN) Documentation Requirements
The questions below apply to the Social Security Number (SSN) Documentation Requirements section of the LIHEAP Policy and Procedures Manual.
If we think a social security card is fake, what is the agency's responsibility? We aren't trained in identifying fake social security cards and worry that we might accidentally accept a fake.
We understand this can be difficult and what one person may think is fake, someone else may think is real. As long as staff are doing their best, their agency will not "get in trouble" if a fake card is accepted. Be sure to visit https://www.ssa.gov/history/ssn/ssnversions.html for more information about the history of social security cards, which will help staff know what to expect with different versions of the card.
(added 09/06/18) If an applicant presents a Driver's License in lieu of the Social Security Card, what am I supposed to enter into the database? What if they don't know their Social Security Number (SSN)?
Applicants presenting a current Iowa Driver's License can verbally provide their SSN. They can be encouraged to provide formal documentation that includes their SSN (can be a Social Security Card, a document on the list of acceptable documentation, or any other document containing the SSN, such as a personally-prepared tax return or a voter registration card).
If someone presenting a current Iowa Driver's License does not know their SSN and doesn't have any document with an SSN in their possession at the time of application, we will NOT make them go home and return with a document. Instead, enter the digits dictated by the respective software systems (Nifcap/THO).
(added 10/29/18) Can we use a signed guardianship paper (signed by an attorney) for proof of social security number documentation for a grandchild and the grandmother?
Yes, however the Social Security Number (SSN) Waiver Request must be submitted to the DCAA for final review.
(added 11/26/18) Can we accept Social Security Cards with "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT" on them?
Yes. These are issued to people from other countries:
- Who are lawfully admitted to the United States without work authorization from DHS, but with a valid non-work reason for needing a Social Security number; or
- Who need a number because of a federal law requiring a Social Security number to get a benefit or service.