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ESA SNAP Policy Manual 55 For households experiencing homelessness, households composed of migrant or seasonal farmworkers or for other unusual circumstances where documentary evidence or a collateral contact cannot verify residency: − Household self-attestation of residency is sufficient when combined with the ESA documentation in the case file of all efforts made to independently verify the household’s residency. 5.7 Identity Verification ESA must verify the identity of the person applying for SNAP. The identity of only the head of household (primary individual) must be verified. If an authorized representative has been designated by the household, the authorized representative’s identity must be verified in addition to the identity of the head of household. For more information on identity requirements, see Section 8.3, Identity. At initial application, ESA must verify the identity of the head of household. When an authorized representative applies on behalf of a household, the identities of both the head of the household and the authorized representative must be verified. Identity must be verified prior to authorizing benefits, including for households entitled to expedited processing. At mid-certification, recertification or when a change is reported, identity is not reverified unless there is a new head of household or authorized representative and their identity has not been previously verified. Examples of acceptable verification include the following: Any verification that reasonably proves identity − ESA cannot request a specific type of document to verify identity Government-issued ID card (e.g. driver’s license, state ID card) Voter registration card Student identification card Employee identification card Passport Birth certificate Public housing–issued photo ID Collateral contact if no other documentary proof is available (see Section 5.11.2, Collateral Contact) Identity previously verified: If the household member participated (or is currently participating) in Legal Authority Residency (federal): SNAP: 7 CFR § 273.2(f)(1)(vi), 7 CFR § 273.3 Return