3.8 Verification Sources-Collateral Contacts.

A. Collateral contact is an acceptable form of verification if written evidence cannot be obtained or is insufficient to make a firm determination of eligibility or benefit level. B. A collateral contact is a verbal confirmation of the household’s circumstances by a person outside of the household and may be made over the phone or in person. C. The household must specify a collateral contact who can verify their statement. D. MDHS may select a collateral contact if the household fails to designate one or designates one that is unacceptable to the agency due to it not being expected to provide an accurate third-party verification. E. When talking with collateral contacts, MDHS staff must only disclose information that is absolutely necessary to get the needed information. Source: 7 CFR §273(f)(4)(ii); 7 CFR §273.2(f)(5)(ii) Revised: March 2022