Only formal, written MOUs signed by both the regional commissioner (RC) and an authorized
official of the correctional facility are valid.
An approved model MOU is available from the Regional Enumeration Specialist. Parties
authorized to negotiate MOUs as per RM 10225.130 (“Negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Process Replacement SSN Cards
for Prison Inmates”) should use the model for all prisoner replacement card MOUs.
1. The purpose and background of the MOU
This part of the MOU:
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Identifies the correctional facility(ies) and the servicing FO(s);
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States requirement that only U.S. citizens are covered under this MOU;
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Specifies the type of SSN card to be issued (replacement card with no changes to the
Numident record); and
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States prisoner circumstances under which the application may be submitted (For example,
due to be released from prison within the timeframe specified in the applicable MOU,
participating in pre-release program).
NOTE: Effective January 28, 2023, SSA’s national MOU with the Federal Bureau of Prisons
(BOP) allows for the submission of applications for replacement SSN cards within 1
year of release. This will only apply to BOP applications that the servicing FO receives
on or after January 28, 2023.
2. An explanation of the functions performed by a correctional facility
This part of the MOU:
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Includes a specific description of the facility’s policies and procedures used to
verify the identity of each inmate;
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Provides FO with a list of officials authorized to certify accuracy of facility records;
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Provides facsimiles of authorized officials’ signatures;
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Explains facility responsibility to ensure that the prisoner completes and signs appropriate
forms; and
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Ensures security of SSN cards as specified in the MOU.
This section of the MOU includes a description of FO screening and processing of SS-5 (“Application for a Social Security Card”) received from the facility.
4. Agreement on the terms of agreement and required signatures
This part of the MOU:
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Includes a general statement about conditions for effectuation and termination of
MOU;
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Ensures that the MOU includes signatures of persons authorized to sign for SSA and
the correctional facility; and
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Includes a provision stating that the MOU is effective for a maximum of 5 years.