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ESA SNAP Policy Manual 94  Recertification: Do not reverify unless there is a new head of household or authorized representative and their identity has not been previously verified.  Changes: Do not reverify unless the change is for a new head of household or authorized representative and their identity has not been previously verified. 8.3.2 How to Verify Identity Identity may be verified through readily available documentation. If documentation is not available, a collateral contact outside the household can be used.  Prior to holding an application as pending for identity verification, ESA must check for readily available documentation that can be used to verify identity: − Ensure the household has not already submitted verification. − If the customer participated (or is currently participating) in SNAP, cash assistance programs or Medicaid in the last 36 months and identity was verified and proof of identity can be located in DIMS (even if the proof has expired) or through a case narrative if verified via a collateral contact, consider identity verified and document in case notes. For example: “Identity verified through prior participation in SNAP; DC driver’s license in DIMS from 9/2020.”  If identity cannot be verified through readily available documentation, hold the application as pending for proof of identity.  If the customer is unable to provide proof of identity, a collateral contact with someone outside the household may be used. The collateral contact must be someone outside the household who can provide accurate and reliable information regarding the individual. − The best collateral contacts are employers, landlords or homeless/social service agencies working with the individual. − Documentation of the collateral contact must be included in the case notes. For example: “Customer unable to provide identity verification; SSR reached out to Samia Jones (202-555- 5555) on 10/1/2021 at 4:30 pm from N Street Village who verified customer’s identity.” Legal Authority Identity (federal): SNAP: 7 CFR § 273.2(f)(1)(vii)

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