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MS 7050 (3)

Note: An Authorized Representative can be used as collateral contact, provided they are not making application on behalf of the household.

Rely on the household to provide the name and phone number of any collateral contact. Staff cannot use a collateral contact if the collateral contact cannot be expected or is unable to provide accurate third-party verification. If a collateral contact is deemed unacceptable, require the household to designate another collateral contact or explore alternate verification sources. The household may request assistance in designating a collateral contact.

Once an acceptable collateral contact is designated, the worker is responsible for obtaining verification from the collateral contact. When making contact, only request the information needed to process the application. Do not disclose that the information is being used to obtain food benefits. If the collateral contact will not provide the requested verification, do not immediately deny/discontinue the case. Ask the household for another means of obtaining the information.

Households with irregular income that could not be verified at certification must be told that form PAFS-121, Irregular Work Form, or comparable verification must be presented at the next recertification interview.

C. Home visits are to be used on a case-by-case basis and may be used as verification only if documentary evidence or collateral contacts cannot be obtained. Schedule the visit in advance with the household.

D. The Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) may be contacted to determine tobacco poundage quotas and base arrangements; however, information regarding the production and sales price is protected by the Privacy Act and cannot be released.

E. In addition to the methods listed above, the household may return verification by fax or other electronic devices.

F. Unless questionable, electronic signatures are acceptable on all SNAP verification documents.

F. If all avenues of obtaining verification have been exhausted by the applicant and worker, the individual’s statement can be used as verification as a last resort. Thoroughly document in case notes the steps taken and the reason client statement was accepted in lieu of other verification.