BASIC (08-09)

A. Proper applicant is an individual who can establish relationship and responsibility

An individual who applies on behalf of another individual (adult or child) who can establish relationship and responsibility for that individual is a proper applicant when no one higher on the list of proper applicants in RM 10205.025 exists. If the number holder (NH) is age 18 or older, the applicant must also establish that the NH is unable to file an application on his or her own behalf.

B. Evidence needed for individual with relationship and custody to be a proper applicant

In addition to documents required for the person to whom the SSN is issued, i.e., evidence of age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or current lawful alien status (or, if not authorized to work in the U.S., evidence of a current valid nonwork need) appropriate to the type of SSN card requested, you must also obtain the following evidence from the proper applicant:

1. Proof of identity of the applicant

We must see proof of identity for the person filing the application.

2. Evidence of applicant’s relationship to NH

The applicant must establish his or her relationship to the NH. A court document showing the applicant has custody is sufficient to establish relationship, even when there is no blood or marital relationship.

3. Evidence of custody/responsibility

The applicant must submit evidence to establish custody or responsibility. A court document showing the applicant has custody is sufficient to establish custody and responsibility.

Absent court documents, the applicant may provide other evidence of custody or responsibility, such as a letter from a State Social Services agency placing the NH in the individual's household, a school record indicating that the individual has responsibility for the NH, or a rental agreement listing the NH in the household of the applicant.

4. Evidence that NH is unable to apply on his or her own behalf

If the NH is age 18 or over, we must see evidence showing the NH cannot apply on his or her own behalf. Evidence from a third party (e.g., a physician) must specifically address capability related to applying for an SSN card.

Use the Remarks field on the Summary screen in SSNAP to describe the NH’s limitations that prevent him or her from applying on his or her own behalf.

a. NH is physically unable to apply

The applicant must show that the NH’s physical limitations prevent the NH from filing an application for an SSN card on his or her own behalf.

A NH, age 18 or older, should file the application on his or her own behalf when he or she is capable of either:

• Traveling to an FO, providing the information necessary to complete SSNAP screens, reviewing the summary sheet printout, and meeting signature proxy requirements; or

• Providing the information to complete a Form SS-5 and reviewing and signing the Form SS-5, filled out by either the NH or another person.

b. NH is mentally unable to apply

The applicant must show that the NH is not capable of understanding and answering the questions required to apply for an SSN card.

C. References

• RM 10210.010 and RM 10201.015, Evidence Required for an SSN Card

• GN 00301.030, Acceptability of Documentary Evidence