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

Based on the provided documents, you can collect Social Security numbers from participants in New Jersey under certain circumstances.

Requirements for collecting Social Security numbers

NJAC 10:87-3.15

• Providing the Social Security Number for each household member is voluntary; however, failure to provide a SSN will result in denial of NJ SNAP benefits to each individual failing to provide a SSN.
• Once a SSN is verified, the CWA may share it with other State and Federal agencies.
• Any SSNs provided of non-applicant members shall be used and disclosed in the same manner as SSNs of eligible household members.
• If individuals have more than one number, all numbers shall be required.
• The CWA shall explain to applicants and participants that refusal or inability to provide a SSN will result in disqualification of the individual for whom the number has not been provided.

NJAC 13:45F-4.1

• No person, including a public or private entity, shall require an individual to transmit his or her Social Security number over the Internet, unless the connection is secure or the Social Security number is encrypted.
• Where a person or a public or private entity requests a Social Security number from an individual, the person or public or private entity shall do so in conditions under which the Social Security number will remain confidential.

NJAC 3:1-20.2

• The Department may request that any individual subject to the licensing, permit, registration, reporting or filing requirements submit his or her social security number to the Department.
• All such requests shall either include or be accompanied by a notice stating:
• The purpose or purposes for which the Department intends to use the social security number;
• That disclosure made pursuant to the request is either voluntary or mandatory; and
• That the request is authorized by this section and by such other law as may be applicable.

NJAC 8:43I-1.4

• Submission of social security numbers is mandatory, as required by N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.4 4(e) and as authorized by 42 U.S.C. § 666.
• Nurse aide, personal care assistant and assisted living administrator certifications are “occupational licenses” as defined by N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56.5 2, and submission of social security numbers is mandated by law.
• Social security numbers will be utilized only for the purposes of:
• Establishing a unique identifying number for applicants and certified personnel;
• Coordinating the criminal history information in the required criminal history registry and the various licensing and certification databases in which the person holds a license or certification; and
• Complying with the provisions of the child support enforcement laws, 2A:17-56.8 et seq.

NJAC 10:69-8.3

• When the SSA requests information to assist in determining an applicant’s eligibility for any benefits, the CWA is authorized to release such information from its records.
• Medical information when requested shall be provided since this information will be used by professional medical personnel in determining disability status for disability benefits.

Conclusion

Based on the above requirements, you can collect Social Security numbers from participants in New Jersey under certain circumstances, such as for licensing, certification, and benefit eligibility purposes. However, you must ensure that the collection and use of Social Security numbers comply with the relevant laws and regulations, and that the numbers are kept confidential.

Jurisdiction

New Jersey

• Privacy