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FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION SIMPLIFIED REPORTING (SR) HOUSEHOLDS FNS 515 SR CHANGES DURING THE CERTIFICATION PERIOD

Section 515 Change #02-2026 (Corrected) August 13, 2026 match or prisoner match, react to the verification, document in case file, and close the task. These procedures are required to prevent erroneous issuance of benefits. iii. If the information received from Vital Records and DOC cannot be independently verified from a primary source, send the household a DSS-8650 Notice of Information Needed for your Food and Nutrition Services only if the information is questionable. The notice must clearly explain what information the household must provide and the consequences of failing to respond to the notice. The consequence for failing to respond depends on the reporting system to which the household has been assigned. • On the DSS-8650 insert under “Other” field what information was received and what type of verification is requested from the household. Suggested text for “Other” field: ▸ “We have received information from a computer match that a member in your household is now deceased. Please provide a copy of the obituary or death certificate.” ▸ “We have received information from a computer match that a member in your household is incarcerated. Please provide proof of the release date and current residence.” • The DSS-8650 must state, “Failure to respond to this notice will result in the individual being removed from the FNS unit and benefits could be reduced or stopped.” If the FNS unit fails to respond to DSS-8650, issue a DSS-8553 Notice of Adverse Action to reduce or close the case. iv. If the FNS unit does not respond to the notice of match results or does respond but fails to provide sufficient information to clarify the circumstances, the individual must be removed from the FNS unit and adjust benefits accordingly. Issue a DSS-8553 to remove the individual and/or close the case as appropriate. Document the reason for the reduced benefits or closure in case file in NC FAST. Note: If all members of the FNS unit are deceased, all remaining FNS benefits will be automatically expunged by NC FAST from the EBT account when the FNS case is closed. This automatic expungement will only apply if the entire household is deceased. Once expunged the benefits cannot be restored to the FNS household. Caseworkers will not need to take action.