Page 8

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. When to react to unclear information. 1. The worker is required to react to a report of unclear information if the unclear information meets one of the following conditions: a. Changes related to mandatory verifications (FNS 435.01 A). b. Information that the FNS unit is required to report per FNS 500.03, Household Change Reporting Requirements. Required reporting changes may include but are not limited to a reduction in working hours for an ABAWD below 80 hours in the month, new or changed income in excess of 130% poverty level for the household, or gambling/lottery winnings. Both of the following conditions apply: i. Verification must be obtained to determine if this information is a required reporting change; and ii. The information is fewer than 60 days old relative to the current month of participation when the information was discovered. c. Information that appears to conflict with information previously provided by the household for the same time period and it is significant enough to bring the household’s continued eligibility into question. d. Information from Data matches for deceased and prisoner matches. Data match information is not considered to be unclear, act on the data matches as outlined in 515.01 D.4. Additional clarification is not needed from the FNS unit, unless the information is questionable and cannot be verified from Vital Records or DOC. 2. Give or mail the DSS-8650 to the FNS unit. Allow ten calendar days for the FNS unit to provide the requested information or verification. a. If the household fails to provide sufficient information to determine eligibility or benefit level, issue a DSS-8553 to close the case. If the verification is provided prior to the effective date listed on the DSS-8553 (10th business day), evaluate and send revised notice as appropriate. If the verification is provided after the effective date listed on the DSS-8553, the FNS unit must reapply if they wish to be reevaluated to regain eligibility. b. If the household provides sufficient information to determine eligibility, the information is considered known to the agency and the worker must react according to the appropriate section of FNS 515 Simplified Reporting Changes During the Certification Period. B. When not to react to unclear information.