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DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FAMILY INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL VERIFICATION Section 408 Page 10

REVISED OCTOBER 2025 Reminder: Do not close or deny a SNAP benefit case because the household does not provide required verification of expenses such as dependent care, medical, or shelter costs. Instead, certify the household without the deduction.

408.11 Collateral Contact A. A collateral contact is a verbal confirmation of a household’s circumstances. The collateral contact may be made in person or by telephone. Some examples of acceptable collateral contacts include talking with the following: a. Employers b. Landlords c. Social service agencies d. Neighbors of the household B. Utilize a collateral contact or home visit when otherwise unable to obtain documentary evidence of a required verification. a. Home visits must be scheduled in advance; and i. May be used only when there is not enough documentary evidence to make a firm determination of eligibility or benefit level. C. The household is responsible for providing the name of the collateral contact. The household may request the local department’s assistance designating the collateral contact. D. The customer provides consent to release information in multiple DHS documents: by signing the application, the Consent for Release of Information form (704 form), and/or the wage forms (247 and 007 forms). E. The local department is not required to use the collateral contact named by the household if the collateral contact cannot be expected to provide