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The household has the primary responsibility for providing documentary evidence to support statements on the application and to resolve any questionable information. Households may provide verification in person, through the mail, fax, e-mail, or through an authorized representative. The eligibility staff member will assist the household if the household is cooperating with the application process. NOTE: A client has authorized federal, state, and local agencies to verify information if needed to determine eligibility by signing the ‘Application for Assistance’. The ‘Release of Information’ is NOT required but is a useful tool when businesses, agencies, etc. will not release information without a signed release of information statement. VERIFICATION AT APPLICATION: The following information must be verified prior to SNAP eligibility determination and issuance for non-expedited application processing: 1. Residency – verify to the extent possible in conjunction with verification of other information. If verification cannot be accomplished in conjunction with the verification of other information such as rent/mortgage payment, a utility expense, identity, etc. eligibility staff may use a collateral contact or other readily available documentary evidence. There is no durational residency requirement. The household is not required to reside in a permanent dwelling, or have a fixed mailing address, or demonstrate intent to reside permanently in the state. Applicants living anywhere in Montana for any purpose other than a vacation, regardless of the length of time they have been in Montana or plan to stay, meet residence requirements. Persons living in tents, vehicles, campers, under bridges, campsites, etc. meet residence requirements. An application must not be denied if the eligibility staff member and the household have made a reasonable effort to verify residency, but verification is difficult to obtain. 2. Identity – Verify the identity of the person making the application. If an authorized representative applies on behalf of a household, the identity of both must be verified. Identity may be verified through readily available documentary evidence, or through a collateral contact. Acceptable verification may include but is not limited to driver’s license, work or school I.D., I.D. for health benefits or for another assistance or social service program, birth certificate, Social Security card, and wage stub. Any documents reasonably establishing the identity must be accepted and not