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ESA SNAP Policy Manual 194 15.5. Action on Reported Changes ESA must promptly act on changes reported by the household outside the initial application, mid- certification and recertification. For changes discovered through a source other than the household (i.e. a data match), see Section 15.8, Data Matches. For changes reported at mid-certification, see Section 15.4, Mid-Certification Requirements. For changes reported by the household during the certification period: Document the change in the case file, including the date the change is reported. − The date the change is reported is the date ESA receives the change or is advised of the change over the telephone or in person. Provide/mail a new Change Report Form to the household if the change was reported on a Change Report Form. If verification is needed to process the change, request verification from the household and provide 10 days for the household to return verification. − Follow verification requirements in Section 5.13.1, Changes Reported by the Household. Determine how to act on the change. If multiple changes are reported, determine the end result of acting on all changes to determine what actions to take. − Act in accordance with Section 15.5.1, Increase in Benefits, if the change results in an increase in benefits. − Act in accordance with Section 15.5.2, Decrease in Benefits, if the change results in a decrease in benefits. Restore lost benefits to the household if ESA fails to increase benefits within the timeframes described in Section 15.5.1, Increase in Benefits. 15.5.1 Increase in Benefits Changes resulting in an increase in benefits must be verified in accordance with Section 5.13.1, Changes Reported by the Household. If the household is eligible for an increase in benefits because of a decrease in monthly income of $50 or more or the addition of household members: If no additional information is needed or if the household provides any needed information within 10 days from the date the change is reported, make the change effective for the month following the report month. If additional information is needed and the household provides the information more than 10 days after the date the change is reported, make the change effective for the month following the month verification was provided. Return