40-157 PRINCIPLES AND METHODS OF DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY
.1 Principles of Gathering Evidence
.11 All information secured in the process of determining eligibility shall be evaluated in light of its internal consistency.
.12 Each piece of evidence shall be evaluated in light of the motives and adequacy of knowledge of the person completing the record or document or making the statement.
.13 Evidence shall be evaluated qualitatively rather than quantitatively.
.14 When evidence is conflicting, inconsistent or incomplete, the investigation shall be pursued to the point that the preponderance of evidence supports the determination regarding the applicant's eligibility.
.2 Methods of Gathering Evidence
.21 The gathering of evidence necessary to make an eligibility determination of an applicant is a joint responsibility of the applicant and the county.
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RECEPTION AND APPLICATION
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.211 The county shall inform the applicant what evidence is desired, why it is needed and how it will be used.
.212 The applicant shall cooperate with the county in the evidence gathering process to the fullest extent possible.
.213 When it is not possible for the applicant to obtain necessary evidence, the county shall obtain it for him.
.22 When needed in the evidence gathering process, and as evidence of the applicant's consent thereto, a specific consent form, signed by the applicant and, if necessary, by the spouse (by both parents in AFDC when this is possible) shall be obtained for each such contact. The consent form should cover the purpose of the specific contact as well as the individual or agency to be consulted. Form 228, Applicant's Authorization for Release of Information, may be used for this purpose. A signed consent form is not required when public records are used or for the purposes of verifying information obtained through IEVS in accordance with Section 20-006.5.
.3 Participation by the Applicant
If the applicant is able to assist in resolving incomplete, unclear or inconsistent statements on the Form CA 2 or is able to assist in the evidence gathering process but refuses to do either or both, the application shall be denied.