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[ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION PROCESS:
MISSISSIPPI THE APPLICATION PROCESS]
2. Resolve promptly any conflicting information and make a decision regarding the information to be considered valid. 3. Be alert to inconsistencies in information and use the legal concept of the "prudent" or Volume III | Chapter 7 Revised 07-01-17
"reasonable" man. This concept refers to the element of judgment that must be exercised by all individuals in making choices, determining goals, evaluating statements by others, and the like. When the worker finds some of the applicant's statements questionable, the worker must evaluate the statements and ask the applicant to make a reasonable explanation of the contradictions and/or assist in seeking further information. Some examples of the use of this concept in questionable information are: a. When an applicant reports no bank account but pays bills by checks or has a joint bank account. b. When an individual reports a sudden loss of resources previously owned or has disposed of a resource previously in his possession, the worker should seek a reasonable explanation for such reported losses or transfers. Refer to Chapter 5, Transfer of Resources, for instructions regarding transfers in order to qualify. Use facts, reason, and judgment in determining the veracity of statements about losses. c. When an individual states that he has no income or resources and that his shelter, utility, food, etc., payments are current, the worker should seek further information or a logical and reasonable explanation. The worker will ask the individual how he has managed to pay his expenses when he has no income or resources. There may be a logical and reasonable explanation, such as a recent loss of income or credit or cash reserve being depleted recently. When the individual can offer and substantiate no logical and reasonable explanation as to how living expenses have been met and offers vague explanations, such as "I just get by," eligibility cannot be determined. Document the case record and deny the application in such a situation. INTERFACE INQUIRIES PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REPORTING INFORMATION SYSTEM (PARIS) DATA The PARIS project is a data matching system in which Mississippi’s caseload data is matched 7010