Connecticut Department of Social Services Uniform Policy Manual: 1540.10P General Principles of Verification - Methods of Verification

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF INCOME MAINTENANCEPRIVATE UNIFORM POLICY MANUAL ______________________________________________________________________________ Date: 11-15-90 Transmittal: UP-90-26 P-1540.10 ______________________________________________________________________________ Section: Type: The Eligibility Process PROCEDURES ______________________________________________________________________________ Chapter: Program: AFDC General Principles of Verification AABD _______________________________________________________________ MA Subject: FS Methods of Verification ______________________________________________________________________________

P-1540.10 1. Work with the client to determine whether the client or the Department will obtain verification for each factor which needs to be verified, and the best method for obtaining the verification.

2. For each factor which needs to be verified, explore the client's ability to obtain necessary verification, considering the following:

° Documents the client already has in his or her possession;

° Documents which the client can readily obtain;

° Documents which are less readily available, but which can be obtained without extreme efforts;

° readily available alternate forms of verification;

° Possible barriers to obtaining verification, including language, illiteracy, lack of transportation, or the inability to pay a required fee;

° any unusual or extenuating circumstances.

3. Consider the Department responsible for obtaining verification in the following circumstances:

° When the factor has already been satisfactorily verified as indicated in active or closed case files;

° when verification is readily available through contact with General Assistance offices, Connecticut Labor Department, Department of Motor Vehicles, Social Security Administration or other agencies;

° when the client cannot obtain the verification without paying a fee and the Department has a means of obtaining verification without paying a fee, by such means as bank tracers.

4. Use the Application Verification List (W-1348) and other forms, as appropriate, to document the decision on what methods of verification will be used.

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF INCOME MAINTENANCE UNIFORM POLICY MANUAL ______________________________________________________________________________ Date: 12-1-91 Transmittal: UP-91-51 P-1540.10 page 2 ______________________________________________________________________________ Section: Type: The Eligibility Process PROCEDURES ______________________________________________________________________________ Chapter: Program: AFDC General Principles of Verification AABD _______________________________________________________________ MA Subject: FS Methods of Verification ______________________________________________________________________________

P-1540.10 (continued)

5. Assist the client in obtaining verification when appropriate using methods such as the following:

° advising the client of alternate forms of verification;

° advising the client on how to go about obtaining verification;

° Writing letters on behalf of any client who has difficulty with written expression, if requested to do so;

° referring the client to other agencies, which may be able to assist by offering guidance or by paying a fee on the client's behalf.

6. If the client tries to obtain verification but has difficulty, reevaluate the situation and reconsider the options to find the best approach. Document changes in the verification process by revising the W-1348 or by clearly noting the changed requirements and deadlines in the case record.

7. In addition to other forms of verification, use IEVS to obtain verification about income and SAVE to obtain verification about citizenship and non-citizen status.

8. Provide a dated receipt whenever verification is left with the receptionist and whenever a receipt is requested by the assistance unit.