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N.J.A.C. 10:90-1.6 This file includes all Regulations adopted and published through the New Jersey Register, Vol. 56 No. 24, December 16, 2024

NJ - New Jersey Administrative Code > TITLE 10. HUMAN SERVICES > CHAPTER 90. WORK FIRST NEW JERSEY PROGRAM > SUBCHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

§ 10:90-1.6 Primary source of information

(a) Applicants and recipients are in all instances the primary source of information about themselves and their families. It is the responsibility of the county or municipal agency to determine eligibility and, as necessary, to secure verification from secondary sources. The applicant will be informed that the county or municipal agency needs to document the facts regarding certain eligibility criteria and that this process will include contacting collateral sources as necessary. 1. Public records are preferred evidence and use of these sources shall be exhausted before other sources are used. 2. Sources of collateral evidence to establish eligibility may include, as appropriate, but are not limited to, the following: i. Birth, death and marriage certificates, records from religious institutions, immigration and naturalization papers, census records, school records, military service records, court records, employment records, records of public or private welfare agencies, voting records, medical records, personal records, and affidavits from knowledgeable persons. Whenever possible, the WFNJ worker shall assist the applicant in securing these documents, or shall verify such information through interagency contacts. ii. The use of an affidavit is not sufficient to verify immigration status under WFNJ. Immigration status must be verified through the Federal Office of Homeland Security. iii. In cases where paternity has not been established and an affidavit is the only available verification of a blood relationship, the applicant shall start adjudication proceedings within 30 days to maintain eligibility. In such cases, the use of an affidavit is sufficient to verify a blood relationship under WFNJ only until adjudication has occurred. (b) Only evidence to corroborate facts essential to eligibility shall be sought. In determining the relative validity of the above sources of evidence in (a) above, the county or municipal agency shall bear in mind the type and source of document.