Do victims of trafficking need social security numbers to receive ORR-funded benefits and services?
No. States cannot require that applicants for ORR-funded assistance and services provide social security numbers. While Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Food Stamp eligibility rules require applicants for benefits who do not have social security numbers to apply for them, the State may not delay, deny or discontinue assistance pending the issuance of their social security numbers. States and local agencies also must assist applicants to apply for social security numbers. See ORR State Letter #00-23.
