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insurance benefits by completing an online verification inquiry with the Employment Security Commission (ESC).

b. Ask for names of former employers. Contact them for any information on current employment. Do not pend the application for the information from the former employers.

c. If the applicant or other members of the budget unit have wages, request verification using the DHB-5097/DHB-5097S, Request for Information. Refer to MA- 2300, Applications, for procedure.

4. Redeterminations - Refer to Section IV. for base period.

a. Ask the beneficiary if he or any member of the B.U. is employed.

b. If the beneficiary or other members of the budget unit have wages, request verification using the DHB-5097/DHB-5097S, Request for Information. Allow 12 calendar days for the verification to be returned.

c. If verification is provided by the deadline, complete recertification.

d. If verification is not provided by the deadline, send a timely notice to propose termination.

e. If verification is received during the timely notice period, complete the recertification. Send another timely notice if there is a change in benefits or deductible.

5. Verification Sources

a. Wage stubs/verification forms, or

b. Contact with current/former employers.

D. Self-Employment

1. An individual is self-employed when he is working in his own business, trade or profession rather than working for an employer.

2. To determine if the individual is self-employed, evaluate the individual’s work situation. If an employer is withholding Social Security and income taxes, the individual is not self-employed. A self-employed individual generally exercises control over how the business will be conducted, not just the end product. Also, a self-employed individual usually incurs operational expenses related to conducting his business or work activity.