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determine the deduction amount, eligibility staff should reasonably attempt to verify information with a collateral contact (SNAP 602-3). c. Shelter expenses – all allowable shelter expenses must be verified at application and recertification. (SNAP 602-4). d. Utility expense – the household’s obligation to pay for heating, cooling, cooking fuel, electricity, water, sewage, garbage, and telephone expenses including charges for initial installation of the utility must be verified. (SNAP 602-4). Acceptable forms of verification includes but is not limited to: utility bills, canceled checks, copies of money orders, landlord form completed by the landlord. e. Dependent care – All dependent care expenses must be verified with hard copy verification or collateral contact. Hard copy verifications may include receipts, billing statements from the provider, and scholarship/assistance statements. These verifications must include the provider’s name and contact information, provider type, rate, total amount paid, hours/days of care provided and scholarship/assistance amount if applicable. If the provider is an individual, a signature is required. If no hard copy verification is available, collateral contact is acceptable. If using collateral contact, please gather the pertinent information above and case note thoroughly. Also see section 602-2.
10. Questionable information – verify all information that is inconsistent, incomplete, or outdated. a. Inconsistent information – the household’s statements on the application or during the interview are contradictory, do not agree with information in the case file/CHIMES, or do not agree with information the eligibility staff member knows to be factual. The household must be given at least 10 days to resolve the discrepancy prior to an eligibility determination when information from another source contradicts statements made by the household. b. Incomplete information – gaps in information or facts. c. Outdated information – is information too old to be considered valid. It depends on the piece of information in question whether it is considered outdated. VERIFICATION AT RECERTIFICATION: