Ask Reggi Your Question Now

Reggi is the free generative AI assistance for regulatory compliance
Ask a Question

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

Yes, you can collect social security numbers from participants in Hawaii if they are required to furnish one according to the Hawaii Administrative Rules. The Hawaii Administrative Rules (HIAR) 17-655-12 [1.1] states that each individual whose needs, income, or assets are considered in determining eligibility or the amount of assistance shall be required to furnish to the department a Social Security Number (SSN), unless exempt under section 17-655-18. If the individual cannot furnish an SSN because an SSN has not been issued or is not known, the individual shall apply for a SSN from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Individuals applying for a SSN shall submit proof to the department that an application to SSA was made and shall be required to report the SSN to the department immediately upon receipt of the SSN. If the individual has more than one SSN, all SSNs shall be submitted to the department.

The department shall use the SSN to verify income, eligibility, and benefits through computer matches authorized under the income and eligibility verification systems for the programs identified in subsection (a) [1.2]. The department shall verify the SSN reported by the family by submitting the SSN and identifying information to SSA for verification according to procedures established by SSA under the income and eligibility verification system [1.3]. The department shall disqualify household members who refuse to provide a SSN or fail to provide or apply for a SSN without good cause [1.4].

However, it is important to note that there are certain exceptions to the requirement of furnishing a SSN. According to HIAR 17-1714.1-11 [2.1], the department shall require, as a condition of eligibility, that each individual applying for medical assistance furnish a SSN, except as provided in paragraph (c). The following are exceptions to the requirements of subsection (a): (1) The department may give a Medicaid identification number to an individual who: (A) Is born to a Medicaid mother; (B) Is not eligible to receive a SSN; (C) Does not have a SSN and may only be issued a SSN for a valid non-work reason; or (D) Refuses to obtain a SSN because of well-established religious objections as defined in 42 C.F.R. § 435.910 (h)(3). (2) The identification number may be either a SSN obtained by the department on the individual’s behalf or another unique identifier. (3) A newborn under age one year is not required to provide a SSN.

The department shall notify the individual that the SSN is required by section 1137(a)(1) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. § 1320b - 7(a)(1) ) to verify income, eligibility, and benefits for purposes of medical assistance through computer matches authorized under the federal or State electronic services described in section 17-1714.1-12(b) [2.2]. The department shall verify the SSN furnished by an individual with SSA to ensure the SSN was issued to that individual, and to determine whether any other SSNs were issued to that individual [2.3].

In summary, you can collect social security numbers from participants in Hawaii if they are required to furnish one according to the Hawaii Administrative Rules. However, there are certain exceptions to this requirement.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Hawaii