Verification Requirements for Basic Food The whats and

Verification Requirements for Basic Food The what’s and how’s of eligibility verification

The What’s (this is the easy part) Every applicant for Basic Food Assistance has to verify the same basic eligibility criteria.

What needs to be verified? WHAT TO VERIFY Alien Status BASIC FOOD X For all non-citizen AU members* WHAT TO VERIFY BASIC FOOD Incapacity X X X Child Support Obligation Recertification: Only if questionable (Continue to check SEMS for cases through DCS) Income If source has changed; or If amount has changed over $50. NOTE: There is no requirement to verify Citizenship income-in-kind for BF. X Only if questionable X Dependent Care Expenses (Including transportation costs) X Medical Expenses Only if questionable (Continue to check WCAP for WCCC copays Residency Disability Household Composition (Includes Purchase & Prepare arrangements) Identity X X Shelter Costs Only for elderly persons or persons with disabilities and only if in excess of 25% of household income or more than $300. X Households that are not Categorically Eligible (CE) for Basic Food X Only if questionable SSN Application X Questionable Information X X For applicant or both the Head of Household and Authorized Representative

The How’s The Department does not request a specific form of verification.

Acceptable Forms of Verification Eligibility Factor Acceptable Verification Alien Status (For all non-citizen AU See tables in NILC Guide for members) documents used to verify alien status Court papers Child Support Obligation SEMS data Statement from custodial parent Receipt Dependent Care Expenses Statement from the provider Bills or receipts SSPS data Disability Award letter from SSA DDDS disability approval Collateral contact with SSA Collateral contact with VA Decision from disability program specialist (ABD cash) Household Composition Identity (for Cash and Food) Statement from landlord Rental agreement Collateral contact Driver's license State ID card Birth certificate Passport School records Current Alien Registration Card Collateral Contact outside the client's household SOLQ Eligibility Factor Acceptable Verification Income Pay stubs Employer statement by telephone or in writing SEMS data ACES Interfaces Bank statement that shows direct deposits (many deposits show the net amount, you may need additional information that shows the gross income) Collateral contact SOLQ Bills/Receipts Statement from the provider Shelter Costs Landlord statement Current lease Rent or mortgage receipt Utility bills Collateral contact SSN Application Collateral contact with SSA printouts or documents Birth document that states SSN was applied for Medical Expenses Residency Rental or lease agreement Statement from landlord Mortgage papers Utility company records or bills

Criteria for Evaluating Verification • • Does it verify the eligibility factor? • Is the document/statement the most reliable available evidence? • Was the document/statement prepared near the time the event took place?

Criteria for Evaluating Verification • Is the document/statement signed and dated? • Are there any inconsistencies in the document/statement itself? • Is the document/statement consistent with other information?

Criteria for Evaluating Verification • Is the document/statement based upon firsthand knowledge rather than opinion, inference, or hearsay? • Has the document been in the possession of a person with reason to change it? Does it appear the document is altered? • Is there any other reason to question the validity of the document?

Questionable Information Income Deductions We only require verification of a household’s income deductions for Basic Food when the information is questionable.

We must still make use of readily available information such as child support paid by the household through SEMS or Working Connections Child Care copayments through WCAP.

Questions?