SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1164        FILED ON: 1/15/2025

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 121

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Kelly A. Dooner

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act strengthening social security number verification for cash assistance eligibility.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1164        FILED ON: 1/15/2025

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 121

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act strengthening social security number verification for cash assistance eligibility.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Section 33 of Chapter 18 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking the section in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following:-

Section 33. The department shall require applicants or recipients of cash assistance to provide their Social Security Number upon application; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to recipients who are present in the United States as a victim of domestic violence who has a pending petition for legal status under the federal Violence Against Women Act. The department shall provide a 3-month temporary placeholder Social Security Number only for applicants or recipients who are expectant mothers in the third trimester of pregnancy or a child under 4 months of age. Failure to provide a valid Social Security Number within 3 months shall result in the immediate suspension of benefits until a valid and verifiable Social Security Number is provided. The department shall be required to verify all Social Security Numbers provided by applicants or recipients through federal databases, including but not limited to: (1) The Social Security Administration (SSA) to confirm identity and citizenship status; (2) The National Directory of New Hires (NDNH) to verify earned income; (3) The Social Security Death Master File to detect fraudulent claims; and (4) State and federal incarceration databases to identify disqualified applicants. The department shall promulgate regulations to implement and enforce the provisions of this section.