Page 16

15

If the applicant or authorized representative is refusing to provide documentation that is in the sole possession of applicant or authorized representative, or that can only be created or provided by the applicant or authorized representative, see IHCPPM 2015.05.00 Note: This does not apply when an applicant/recipient is failing to cooperate with the Authorized Representative or third party in securing required documentation. In these cases, the worker must reach out to the applicant/recipient to determine whether the applicant/recipient has attempted to cooperate with obtaining verifications and needs assistance. An Authorized Representative’s statement that they cannot obtain the verifications from their client cannot stand in for the required documentation. Special Circumstances Requiring Flexibility17: In cases where the applicant/recipient is a victim of domestic violence, it is important to understand the barriers that can exist in the process of obtaining verifications where the abusing party may be in possession of the needed documentation and any attempt to obtain said documentation would pose a threat to the applicant/recipient. Similarly, members who are homeless or have experienced a natural disaster should be allowed to self-attest when documentation does not exist at the time of application or renewal or is not reasonably available to them. Because members who are in treatment for Substance Abuse Disorder (SUD) are at very high risk for relapse if they lose their medical coverage, workers should be especially sensitive to the challenges these members face in obtaining documentation and make every effort to work with the member and accept client attestation when it is the best available information.

Self-attestations must be made in the form of a written statement as outlined in 2025.10.05. If there is a question as to whether a submission or statement is sufficient, send to PAL for review before taking adverse action on the case. 2025.10.05 Client Attestation and Written Statements When all reasonable attempts have been made but neither the worker nor the applicant/recipient can secure the necessary documentation, the applicant/recipient's signed statement is to be acceptable information. The signed statement will serve as documentation of why DFR took action and is protected against future audits. The document could also be used for possible investigations if the attestation is later found to be questionable. Client Attestation cannot be used for any or all the following: