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MISSISSIPPI [GENERAL: THE CASE RECORD]

Revised 12-01-10 1400

DEFINITION The electronic case record includes recorded information pertaining to the assistance payments for applicants and recipients. This is the information available to the county Economic Assistance office pertaining to all applicants and recipients. The case record includes forms, documents, and the data contained in the on-line MAVERICS eligibility determination and tracking system, the JAWS Work Program activities and the METSS child support data. PURPOSE OF THE CASE RECORD The purpose of the case record is directly related to the purpose of the assistance payments program. The case record serves its primary purpose to the agency when: 1. It clearly furnishes case disposition and eligibility dates on individuals who have applied for or are receiving assistance. 2. It validates the action taken by the agency, based on facts about eligibility, to grant or deny assistance or change the amount of the payment. 3. It furnishes verification for the validity of expenditure of public funds. Other purposes which do not relate to the standards for basic minimum content, but which the case record may serve are: 1. To aid in the supervision and management of case work. 2. To assist in the development of the worker's skill. 3. To evaluate the performance of the worker. The case record is a permanent source of information which prevents the need for repetition of information by the individual and duplication of work by the worker. The case record protects the individual, the MDHS county office, and the community against inaccuracies which might arise from errors of memory. To assure accuracy of statements, recording must be done during the interview or after the securing of information. The purpose of the case record is centered on the individual's circumstances and is not set up as a record of the worker's activities. It has value only as it results in more accurate, helpful, and efficient administration of financial assistance for the family.