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BAM 130 3 of 10 VERIFICATION AND COLLATERAL CONTACTS BPB 2026-003 2-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

A collateral contact is a direct contact with a person, organization or agency to verify information from the client. It might be necessary when documentation is not available or when available evidence needs clarification. The client must name suitable collateral contacts when requested. Assist the client to designate them. The local office is responsible for obtaining the verification. If the contact requires the client's signed release, use the DHS-27, Release of Information, (DHS-20, Verification of Resources, for inquiries to financial institutions), and specify on it what information is requested. If the information requested could include health information send a DHS-1555 or a DCH-1183, Authorization to Release Protected Health Information, for the individual’s signature. When talking with collateral contacts, disclose only the information necessary to obtain the needed information. Do not disclose spe- cific programs for which the household has applied. Do not release any information supplied by the household or imply that the house- hold is suspected of any wrongdoing. Home calls are not required but may be used to verify factors; see Interviews section in Bridges Administrative Manual (BAM) 115, Application Processing. Obtaining Verification All Programs Tell the client what verification is required, how to obtain it, and the due date; see Timeliness of Verifications in this item. Use the DHS-3503, Verification Checklist (VCL), to request verification. Exception: For Food Assistance Program (FAP) only, if there is a system-generated due date on the verification form such as a MDHHS-3688, Shelter Verification, a verification checklist is not required to be sent with the verification form. Use the DHS-3503C, Verification Checklist for Citizenship/Identity, to request documentation of citizenship or identity for FIP, SDA or MA determinations. The client must obtain required verification, but the local office must assist if they need and request help.