9034 Sources of Verification

9034. 1 Documentary Evidence Use documentary evidence as the primary source of verification for all items except residency and household size. Documentary evidence consists of a written confirmation of a household's circumstances. Although documentary evidence will be the primary source of verification, acceptable verification will not be limited to any single type of document and may be obtained through the household or other source. Whenever documentary evidence cannot be obtained or is insufficient to make a firm determination of eligibility or benefit level, require collateral contacts or home visits. Examples of documentary evidence include wage stubs, rent receipts, and utility bills. For example, documentary evidence is considered insufficient when the household presents pay stubs which do not represent an accurate picture of the household's income. Each wage stub submitted must contain a complete data (month, day, year) affixed by the employer. When wage stubs presented are not acceptable, any of the alternate procedures following may be invoked: 1) Make a collateral contact by telephone to verify the information reflected on the client's wage stubs. If discrepant, use the amounts furnished by the employer. 2) The client may optionally present another source of documentation. Additional documentary evidence will also be evaluated for sufficiency. 3) Mail Form 170 to the employer. Documents that appear to be falsified are never to be considered as documentary evidence.