1. (A) Requirements

   1. (1) Condition of Eligibility. As a condition of eligibility for MassHealth, all persons applying in the household must furnish an SSN or proof of application for an SSN, except as provided in 130 CMR 517.006(A)(1). The applicant is notified of the obligation to apply for an SSN for any person applying in the household. The MassHealth agency does not require an SSN or proof of application for an SSN for any applicant who

      1. (a) attests to a religious exemption as described in federal law;
      2. (b) is only eligible for a nonwork SSN; or
      3. (c) is not eligible to receive an SSN.
   2. (2) Electronic Data Match. The MassHealth agency verifies each SSN by an electronic data match with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

   3. (3) Reasonable Opportunity to Verify a Social Security Number (SSN). If the applicant has provided an SSN, the MassHealth agency matches with the SSA to verify the SSN. If the SSA is unable to verify the SSN, the individual is required to verify their SSN.

      1. (a) The MassHealth agency provides applicants and members with a reasonable opportunity period to provide an SSN if the SSA is unable to verify the SSN or the individual has not provided the SSN.
      2. (b) The reasonable opportunity period begins on, and will extend 90 days from, the date on which an applicant or member receives a Request for Information.
      3. (c) While the verification of SSN is pending, the individual will receive benefits if there are no other verifications outstanding.

2. (B) Right to Know Uses of Social Security Numbers (SSNs). All household members are given a written notice of the following:

   1. (1) the reason the SSNs are requested;

   2. (2) the computer matching of SSNs with SSNs in other personal data files within

      1. (a) the MassHealth agency;

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130 CMR 517: MASSHEALTH: UNIVERSAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

1. (b) the Federal Data Services Hub, which matches with the SSA;
2. (c) the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS);
3. (d) the US Internal Revenue Service; and
4. (e) other federal and state agencies and other informational services; and
5. (3) the possible denial or termination of benefits, if any applicant or member fails to provide their SSN or proof of application for an SSN, unless an exception described in 130 CMR 517.006(A)(1) applies to the applicant or member.

(130 CMR 517.007 Reserved)

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Trans. by E.L. 257 Rev. 02/13/26

130 CMR 517: MASSHEALTH: UNIVERSAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS