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ESA SNAP Policy Manual 66 Example Cassandra, Heros and their school-aged child apply for SNAP. Heros receives about $450 biweekly from a job. The household does not report any other income. The application indicates monthly rent of $960 a month. Because the household’s monthly gross income is less than the household’s reported rent, it is appropriate to explore the household’s circumstances to determine if there are other income sources. During the interview, Heros explains that his employer recently cut hours, and the family has been unable to pay rent. Heros’ explanation is plausible, and ESA has no other information that contradicts Heros’ statements. ESA would not consider this information questionable.

Verifying questionable information includes resolving inconsistencies between the certification form and statements the customer makes, validating the accuracy of documents that appear to conflict with each other and confirming information the customer provides when it conflicts with information ESA receives through interfaces or other sources such as a third-party or a computer match. The household has the primary responsibility of providing verification to resolve any questionable information. If it is difficult for the household to obtain the needed proof in a timely manner, ESA must offer assistance to get the needed verification. ESA is prohibited from deciding that information is questionable based on race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs or as reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. 5.13 Verification of Changes During Certification Verification requirements for changes discovered during the certification period vary based on how ESA became aware of the change and the type of change. 5.13.1 Changes Reported by the Household For changes reported by the household, ESA must follow verification procedures that apply at initial certification, with the following exceptions. ESA will not verify:  Changes in income if the source (e.g. employer) has not changed and if the amount has changed by $50 or less, unless the information is incomplete, inaccurate, inconsistent or outdated − Note: The Work Number will not be checked to verify a household’s reported change in income during the certification period. Instead, verification of a reported change in income must be requested from the household.  Changes in actual utility expenses by $25 or less, unless the information is incomplete, inaccurate, inconsistent or outdated Legal Authority Verification of questionable information (federal): SNAP: 7 CFR § 273.2(f)(2) Return