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COMBINED MANUAL

ISSUE DATE 09/2020

MANDATORY VERIFICATIONS

0010.18

Verify eligibility factors at initial application. You must also verify some eligibility factors monthly, at recertification, or when changes occur. See 0007.03 (Monthly Reporting - Cash), 0007.03.02 (Six-Month Reporting), 0007.15 (Unscheduled Reporting of Changes - Cash), 0007.15.03 (Unscheduled Reporting of Changes - SNAP), 0009 (Recertification). Use the Verification Request Form (DHS-2919) (PDF) to request needed verification. Also see Chapter 8 (Changes in Circumstances) for verifications which may be required when a unit has a change in circumstances.

Do not verify eligibility factors that are already verified and not subject to change. The verification must be in existing files. Verify the following for all programs:

● Income.

● Inconsistent information. See 0010.15 (Verification - Inconsistent Information).

● Immigration status, ONLY if the applicant reports non-citizen status. DO NOT contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to verify immigration status unless you have determined that the applicant meets all other program requirements and the client would be eligible for benefits if the immigration status requirement is met. The client must provide a written authorization to contact USCIS, EXCEPT for contacts made through the SAVE process. See 0010.18.11 (Verifying Citizenship and Immigration Status), 0010.18.11.03 (Systematic Alien Verification (SAVE)), 0011.03.27 (Undocumented and Non-Immigrant People). Also see 0010.18.01 (Mandatory Verifications - Cash Assistance) for additional MFIP provisions relating to citizenship and immigration status.

If no other form of verification is available or if the client chooses to use a form to verify residence or shelter expenses, you may use the Authorization for Release of Information About Residence and Shelter Expenses (DHS-2952) (PDF). Do not require any other form for this purpose. Require the client to complete only those items needed to determine eligibility or benefit for the program(s) the client is requesting or receiving.

Counties must use forms developed by DHS for the purposes of informing and advising clients about their rights and responsibilities, the status of an application or recertification, and ongoing eligibility for assistance. If DHS does not provide a form for a given purpose, the county agency may develop their own form; however, the form must meet the requirements in TEMP Manual TE12.02.01 (County Designed Forms).

Verify additional eligibility factors required by each program as noted in the specific program provisions in 0004.12 (Verification Requirements for Emergency Aid), 0010.18.01 (Mandatory Verifications - Cash Assistance), 0010.18.02 (Mandatory Verifications - SNAP).

MFIP, DWP: Verify only counted income.

Do not verify earned income of a child under age 6.

Do not verify earned income of a child age 6 or older who has verified their school status of full-time elementary, secondary, or GED student.

Do not verify earned income of a caregiver under 20 who has verified their school status of at least half-time in an approved school.

See 0017.15.15 (Income of Minor Child/Caregiver Under 20).

SNAP: Do not request further verification of income if the unit reports no change in income on their Combined Six-Month Review (DHS- 5576) (PDF). For budgeting information see 0022.03.01.03 (Prospective Budgeting - SNAP Provisions).

Do not request verification of earned income of an elementary, secondary, or GED student IF the student is in school at least half- time, is under age 18, and is working. See 0017.15.15 (Income of Minor Child/Caregiver Under 20).