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FOOD STAMP HANDBOOK Handbook FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS 63-1250 (Cont)

63-1250 FORM MODIFICATION POLICY (Continued) 63-1250 - Modification is required by county's organizational structure (EDP and Manual). - Modification will contribute to increased efficiency (EDP and Manual). Examples of unacceptable justification include: - County wishes to vary placement, language or data elements (EDP and Manual). - Internal procedures/instructions would have to be revised (EDP and Manual). - County has own form for purpose of state form (EDP and Manual).

.B Variation Standards

Variation in placement, language and data elements, where allowable, will be evaluated against the following standards after the overall justification has been accepted.

All variations must:

Be clear. - Be in accord with regulatory requirements. - Ensure consistent treatment of recipients from county to county.

- Use common program language (such as “gross income”, “standard deduction”, “axcess shelter costs”, etc.).

- Provide adequate audit trail and documentation.

Be in an order that achieves an accurate computation or a logical explanation to clients.

- Not have the potential to create errors. - Provide adequate space for documentation/computation where necessary.

- Contain all data elements on the state form unless they are contained elsewhere in the case file, are deleted due to a combination, or are unnecessary for the specific county (explanation from county is required).

- Reflect the intent of the state form.

4 Recommended Form, No State Form, State Form Not Yet Designated A Overall justification.

No justification is required for forms in these categories.