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SNAP CERTIFICATION MANUAL – SECTION 1000
• Providing complete information required to obtain child support (if information about the non-custodial parent is known by the individual but is withheld, the individual may face a possible penalty of perjury. • Completing and signing affidavits attesting to paternity of the child; and • Making court appearances and providing testimony in paternity hearings and support actions.
If both a legal and putative father exists, or the responsibility for support is not clear, the parent must provide the information on both the legal and putative father.
Pregnant women who are receiving SNAP benefits for themselves and other dependent children are required to cooperate with the OCSE unless they have good cause reasons not to cooperate.
Non-custodial Parent cooperation with the OCSE requires: • Assisting the OCSE with establishing parentage • Providing verification of income for new court orders, modifying existing orders • Paying arrearages if there is an obligation that exists.
1623.3.2 Good Cause for Failure to Cooperate SNAP Manual 02/01/20
Cooperation in establishing paternity or securing support may be contrary to the best interest of the family. In those situations, a custodial or non-custodial parent may have good cause for not cooperating.
The State Agency will determine good cause.
Good cause exists when cooperating with the State Child Support Agency would make it more difficult for the individual to escape domestic violence or unfairly penalize the individual who is or has been victimized by such violence, or the individual who is at risk of further domestic violence.
For purposes of this provision, the term “domestic violence” means the individual or child would be subject to physical acts that result in, or are threatened to result in, physical injury to the individual; sexual abuse; sexual activity involving a dependent child; being force as the caretaker relative of a dependent child to engage in nonconsensual sexual acts or activities; threats of, or attempts at physical or sexual abuse; mental abuse; or neglect or deprivation of medical care.