TN 4 (10-09)

The procedures in RM 10225.125 through RM 10225.155 apply ONLY to applications for replacement Social Security Number (SSN) cards for inmates currently incarcerated in a facility that is covered by a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

These procedures have no impact on:

• Applications from inmates in a facility that does not have an MOU with SSA;

• Prisoner identification (ID) cards or other prison records submitted as evidence of identity, since it is not acceptable under the evidence of identity requirements in RM 10210.405, Evidence of Identity for an SSN Card; or

• Other agreements SSA has with correctional facilities, such as the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pre-release procedures, the fugitive felon process, the Prisoner Update Processing System (PUPS) alert process, and MOUs with correctional and mental institutions to provide inmate reports to SSA. For PUPS processing provisions, see GN 02607.400. For Fugitive Felon agreements, see GN 02613.100. For SSI pre-release procedures, see SI 00520.910.

A. Why does SSA have MOUs with prison facilities to enumerate prisoners?

Some prison inmates need an SSN card to participate in work or educational programs while incarcerated, or to gain employment upon release from prison, but prisoners generally do not have access to the types of identity documents required for enumeration purposes. SSA can enter into a formal MOU with the correctional facility enabling SSA to consider a certification of prisoner identity statement from a prison official as evidence of identity, and, thereby, make it possible for inmates to get SSN replacement cards.

Under the terms of a signed MOU, field offices (FOs) process properly completed SS-5 applications from certain prison inmates when accompanied by a certification statement from an authorized prison official as evidence of the inmate’s identity. The MOU outlines specific procedures for the correctional facility and SSA to follow to ensure the integrity of the SSN replacement card issuance process for inmates. The MOU also addresses issues of security to protect SSNs and SSN cards from misuse in order to protect the privacy of the inmates.

B. References

• RM 10225.130, Negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Process Replacement SSN Cards for Prison Inmates

• RM 10225.135, Elements of a Prisoner Replacement Card Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

• RM 10225.145, Processing SS-5 (Social Security Card Application) for Prisoners under terms of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

• RM 10225.150, Auditing Correctional Facility with Prisoner Replacement Card Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

• RM 10225.155, Exhibits: Replacement SSN Cards for Prison Inmates