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Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program Policy Manual Chapter 7. Family Definition and Determining Income Eligibility Revised 08/01/2024

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2. Documentary evidence for income verification includes items such as but not limited to wage stubs or award letters. Documentary evidence may be provided in person, by mail, or through an authorized representative. The applicant or the household has primary responsibility for providing documentary evidence to support statements on the application and to resolve any questionable information. If the applicant/recipient is unable to furnish source documents, the DSS/LPA must have the applicant/recipient’s written permission authorizing the child care worker to contact the necessary individuals, employers, or agencies to verify income. The child care worker documents in the case notes which verification method was used and why previous method was not used. When documentary evidence cannot be obtained or is insufficient to make eligibility determination or determination of the correct benefit level, collateral contact may be necessary.

3. A collateral contact is a person knowledgeable enough about the information needed to provide an accurate statement of verification. Examples of acceptable collateral contacts may include employers, social service agencies, migrant service agencies, who can be expected to provide accurate third-party verification. The DSS/LPA is responsible for obtaining verification from acceptable collateral contacts.

4. The recipient’s written statement is acceptable in some circumstances unless otherwise questionable. The following circumstances include but are not limited to i. Receiving recurring cash contributions paid to the parent, or ii. Child support that is not paid pursuant to a written agreement or court- ordered arrangement.