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Can I collect social security numbers from participants in Arkansas? What are the requirements?

Yes, you can collect Social Security numbers from participants in Arkansas if they are eligible and meet the requirements outlined in the Arkansas Administrative Code.

Requirements for Collecting Social Security Numbers

To meet the Social Security Number Enumeration Requirement for eligible persons included in the Budget Unit in Arkansas, each eligible person must either declare a Social Security number or apply for one if it has not been issued or is not known [1.1]. An individual who declares an SSN must state the number, and verification is not required. However, the eligibility worker will enter the SSN to the ANSWER system for verification through the Income and Eligibility Verification System (IEVS) [1.5][1.3].

Verification of Social Security Numbers

Each month, all Social Security numbers that have been entered to ANSWER by the county office with enumeration code “Provided” are submitted to the Social Security Administration to verify SSN based on name, sex, and date of birth. If all match data agrees with SSA records, the enumeration code is changed to “Verified” in ANSWER by the system, and the SSN is no longer keyable by the county. If one or more of the match items does not agree with SSA records, the enumeration code will be changed on the Mainframe and ANSWER system to one of the following mismatched codes [1.2]:

  1. SSN not on SSA files
  2. Name matches, DOB matches, Sex does not match
  3. Name matches, DOB does not match
  4. Name matches, DOB and Sex do not match
  5. Name does not match, DOB and Sex not checked.
  6. Name and DOB match, multi or different SSN

Other Relevant Information

Undocumented aliens who are the case head or included in an open case as an ineligible member will be assigned a pseudo number even if an SSN is provided. This includes an undocumented pregnant woman [1.4]. Additionally, each political subdivision of the state is authorized to submit for approval by the Arkansas Public Employees’ Retirement System a plan for extending the benefits of Title II of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 301 et seq., in conformity with the applicable provisions of that act, to employees of the political subdivisions [3.1].

Therefore, to collect Social Security numbers from participants in Arkansas, you must follow the requirements outlined in the Arkansas Administrative Code, and the Social Security numbers must be verified through the IEVS system.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Arkansas