Use of IEVS Information

GENERAL RULE - Action shall be taken without independent verification based on information obtained through IEVS which is considered verified upon receipt. Such verified information is Social Security and SSI benefit information from SSA and UIB information from the Maine Employment Security Commission.

EXCEPTION: When it appears that the IEVS information about a particular household is questionable, the information shall be considered unverified and must be independently verified.

Prior to taking action to terminate, deny, or reduce benefits based on IEVS information which is considered unverified upon receipt, the information shall be independently verified. Such unverified information is:

1. Unearned income information from IRS.

2. Wage information from the Maine Department of Labor and SSA (BEERS).

3. Prisoner Verification System

4. Deceased Matching System (SSA Death Master File)

5. Questionable information as noted above.

Verification of unverified information shall be obtained by means of contacting the household and/or the appropriate asset or income source.

If the household is contacted it must be in writing. The household must be informed of the information the Department has received, and be requested to respond within 10 days. If the household fails to respond in a timely manner, an appropriate notice of adverse action shall be sent.

The appropriate source may be contacted by the means best suited to the situation.

When the household or appropriate source provides the independent verification the household shall be properly notified of the action to be taken.

When all other sources of income verification are unavailable the amount to be used shall be mutually agreed upon by the client and agency.

Once terminated or denied for failure to respond or refusal to cooperate, the household shall not be determined eligible until it cooperates in the completion of the IEVS review in question.