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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Division 10 Service 415 Program 415 Chapters 05 - 65 North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services

Collateral Contacts for Verification 415-15-10-25 (Revised 11/02 ML #2829) View Archives

Whenever the county social service board is unable to determine eligibility on the basis of information provided by an applicant, it must seek additional data. The applicant should be given first opportunity to supply the needed information, provided he is physically and mentally capable of doing so. However, if the applicant is unable to do so, or there is suspicion that the information provided is unreliable, collateral sources must be used to clarify the data. The applicant MUST give his written consent for such collateral contacts by use of SFN 1059, "Authorization to Release Information." The applicant must be given an explanation of what information is needed, why it is needed, and how it will be used. Should the applicant refuse to give his consent for necessary collateral contacts, he must be given the choice to: 1) give his consent; 2) withdraw his application; or 3) have his application denied by reason of inadequate verification of eligibility status.