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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 A. Issue a DSS-8553 to reduce benefits within ten calendar days of the change being reported. NOTE: Refer to FNS 170.05 Exceptions to Notice of Adverse Action for decreases that do not require a DSS-8553. B. Whether to verify a change before issuing the DSS-8553 depends on the changed item's verification category under FNS 435.01: 1. Mandatory verifications (FNS 435.01 A): verify before issuing the DSS-8553; if the verification is not already in hand, request it per 515.07, Changes with Unclear Information. 2. Required (FNS 435.01 B) and non-required (FNS 435.01 C) verifications: issue the DSS-8553 without waiting for verification. Complete on-line matches, if applicable, to verify changed information. C. Reduce benefits effective the month following the month in which the DSS-8553 expires. D. If the FNS unit requests a fair hearing and continuation of benefits prior to the expiration date of the DSS-8553, do not decrease the benefits. Follow instructions in FNS 700.11 Fair Hearings. 515.05 INCREASE IN BENEFITS If the change increases the benefits, take the following actions, and document the case file in NC FAST. A. Obtain the required verifications. B. If the required verifications are not readily available, give or mail the DSS-8650 to the FNS unit. Allow ten calendar days for the FNS unit to provide the requested verification and document the case file in NC FAST. 1. If the FNS unit provides verification within the allowed time period, take action on the change to provide benefits. 2. If the FNS unit fails to provide the required verification within the allowed time period but does provide the verification at a later date, the time frame for acting on the change will run from the date verification is provided rather than from the date the change is reported. 3. If the FNS unit reports a change that results in an increase in benefits but fails to provide the requested verification: a. Do not terminate the case for failure to provide verification. b. Take no action to increase the allotment.