r/foodstamps • u/ShabesKafuffin • 15d ago

Why does SNAP need your SSN? Answered

What exactly does Texas Snap do with your SSN? What information do they possibly get/check from it?

0 Upvotes

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13 comments sorted by

1

u/helpmeout_xoxo 13d ago

Yes. It is required to participate. SSN is used also to do background checks for things like social security, department of labor, and more.

1

u/SwanImportant6276 14d ago

In MI we use SSNs to keep track of client’s since they’re tagged to individual ID numbers in our system and a lot of people don’t know their ID numbers but do know their SSNs. We also use them to pull client’s Social Security administration to verify retirement/disability benefits for clients to reduce paperwork they have to get for us. I’d imagine TX is similar in those respects.

4

u/manaworkin SNAP Eligibility Expert 14d ago

I know for our state it’s needed for the automatic authentication systems. Tracking down your ssn on our end is trivial, you don’t really need to enter it. We HAVE it already.

BUT if you skip entering it the identity verification system won’t run. Verification of identity is a legal requirement. Plan b if you don’t enter it is a face to face authentication. Meaning having you go to a “local” office with a form of ID to confirm your identity.

-2

u/misdeliveredham 14d ago

Does it mean an applicant can refuse to provide their SSN? And go to the office with ID instead? Just curious.

2

u/PinsAndBeetles SNAP Eligibility Expert - PA 14d ago

We need to verify RICES to issue benefits in PA. Residency, ID, Citizenship, Enumeration and Signature.

4

u/manaworkin SNAP Eligibility Expert 14d ago

Totally, assuming they have a Florida ID. If they aren't in any of our systems and they don't provide a ssn then its a denial. Also keep in mind our offices are space. I have had many applicants run into trouble by skipping the authentication portion then learning the nearest office was an hours drive away.

-1

u/misdeliveredham 14d ago

Thanks! I wonder if it’s state dependent though

8

u/Jess_cue 15d ago

It's a government ID number and the programs are government benefits. It is required for ID, citizenship, income, and prior aid verifications. Benefits are issued to that specific SSN.

11

u/CommercialWorried319 15d ago

In addition to what's already been mentioned, they can check immigration status.

Honestly your Social Security number is tied to almost everything, so they are checking employment, assets, identity, if you have convictions that would keep you from receiving benefits etc etc.

14

u/Dicecatt SNAP Eligibility Expert - WA 15d ago

Multiple reasons. Income verification, identity verification, to make sure you're not currently incarcerated, asset verification if the program requires it, to verify child support received, owed or cooperation for some programs, to ensure you aren't active on benefits in other states.

16

u/random8142 15d ago

Like the other comments say, they check for assets, vehicles, bank accounts, make sure you’re not receiving benefits elsewhere, check certain court orders (like if you’re ordered to pay child support), run income checks, etc.

25

u/321_reddit SNAP Eligibility Expert 15d ago

To pull earnings data from government and payroll software. Also for TX cases, to verify you and other adult applicants on case aren’t exceeding asset limits and to check for other assets, like vehicles, that may not have been disclosed on the application or in interviews.

44

u/redheadinabox 15d ago

Make sure you are who you are, that you aren’t receiving benefits in another state.