9035.1 Responsibility for Obtaining Verification

The household has the primary responsibility for providing documentary evidence to support statements on the application and to resolve any questionable information. DSS will assist the household in obtaining this verification provided the household is cooperating as defined in DSSM 9029. Households may supply documentary evidence in person, through the mail, by fax or other electronic device, or through an authorized representative. Do not require the household to present verification in person at the food stamp office. Accept any reasonable documentary evidence provided by the household. Be primarily concerned with how adequately the verification proves the statements on the application. Whenever documentary evidence is insufficient to make a firm determination of eligibility or benefit level or cannot be obtained, require a collateral contact or a home visit in accordance with DSSM 9034.3. Rely on the household to provide the name of any collateral contact. The household may request assistance in designating a collateral contact. DSS is not required to use a collateral contact designated by the household if the collateral contact cannot be expected to provide an accurate third-party verification. When the collateral contact designated by the household is unacceptable, either designate another collateral contact, ask the household to designate another collateral contact, or provide an alternative form of verification or substitute a home visit. DSS is responsible for obtaining verification from acceptable collateral contacts.