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Page | 208 Some collateral contacts (such as banks or other institutions) do not release information without written consent. Therefore, the Specialist may need to use Form EA-208, Authorization to Release Information.

Systems or records DSS has routine access to are not considered collateral sources; therefore, are not designated by the household. Examples are BENDEX, SDX, DLR and Reemployment Assistance reports.

10720 BENEFITS SPECIALIST RESPONSIBILITY

A. Ensure that documentary evidence the household gives is enough for the Specialist to make a decision of eligibility and allotment amount. The same principle applies to collateral sources designated by the household. Specialists are not required to use documents given by the household or collateral sources when these do not give accurate verification. In this situation, the Specialist must ask the household to give more documentation, designate another collateral source, etc.

B. Take reasonable documentation given by the household or reasonable collateral sources designated by the household. Specialists must be primarily concerned with how adequately the document or collateral source proves the household's circumstances. Specialists may not insist on one type of verification and exclude other reasonable sources. An alternate source frequently is faster and allows the case to be processed more quickly.

C. Specialists must give the household a reasonable chance to resolve discrepancies if another source contradicts information given by the household before making a final decision regarding the discrepant information.

10730 DECISION WITHOUT VERIFICATION

If a deductible expense must be verified and getting verification delays certification, the Specialist must tell the household that they can complete the certification without receiving a deduction for the expense.

Example: The household is unable to get verification of their rent as their landlord is out of town, rather than a delay in benefits occurring, the Benefits Specialists can determine benefits without the rental expense. Example: An employer is unable to give wage information immediately and verification may take extra time. The household suggests an alternate source which the Specialist can reasonably expect to give accurate information. The Specialist should accept the alternate source if suitable and must not insist that verification come only from the employer. Example: Information from documents or from collateral sources independent of the household is usually suitable for verification. Information from relatives, close friends, or other sources that have an interest in the household could be less reliable. Example: A household member reported last March/April/May that he earned $600 a month, or $1800 total. The wage report shows he earned $2400 during that period. The Specialist must give the household a chance to resolve the discrepancy before taking final action on the case.