WAC 388-424-0009 Citizenship and alien status - Social Security Number (SSN) Requirements

1. A "qualified alien", as defined in 388-424-0001, who has applied for a Social Security number (SSN) as part of their application for benefits cannot have benefits delayed, denied, or terminated pending the issuance of the SSN by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

2. The following immigrants are not required to apply for an SSN: 

   1. An alien, regardless of immigration status, who is applying for a program listed in 388-476-0005 (7);

   2. A PRUCOL alien as defined in 388-424-0001; and

   3. Members of a household who are not applying for benefits for themselves.

3. “Qualified aliens,” as defined in 388-424-0001, who are applying for federal benefits but who are not authorized to work in the U.S., must still apply for a non-work SSN. The Department must assist them in this application without delay.

4. An immigrant who is otherwise eligible for benefits may choose not to provide the department with an SSN without jeopardizing the eligibility of others in the household. See 388-450-0140 for how the income of such individuals is treated.