Bill > S121

This bill modifies existing law to strengthen Social Security number (SSN) verification requirements for cash assistance recipients. Specifically, the bill requires all applicants and recipients to provide a valid SSN when applying for cash assistance, with an exception for domestic violence victims with pending legal status. For expectant mothers in their third trimester or parents of infants under 4 months old, the department can issue a temporary 3-month placeholder SSN. If a valid SSN is not provided within that 3-month window, benefits will be immediately suspended until a proper SSN is submitted. The department must comprehensively verify SSNs through multiple federal databases, including the Social Security Administration (to confirm identity and citizenship), the National Directory of New Hires (to verify income), the Social Security Death Master File (to prevent fraudulent claims), and state and federal incarceration databases (to identify disqualified applicants). The bill also mandates that the department create regulations to implement and enforce these new SSN verification requirements, with the overall goal of ensuring that only eligible individuals receive cash assistance.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S121