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Page | 234 2. Shelter Costs: If a change in shelter costs is reported, verification of the changes must be requested and verified in order to allow a deduction. The household may choose to have the six-month report processed without the shelter costs. If the household has not moved, the expense will continue to be budgeted at the previous amount if it is not questionable.

12400 VERIFICATION WHEN AN INTERIM REPORT IS MADE

Verification of most changes are not required during the interim report. If the change would result in an increase in benefits, then verification is required prior to approval of the increase. If the change results in a decrease in benefits, the change is not budgeted unless there is a primary source. If there is a primary source, then the change will be budgeted regardless of the verification code.

If there are shelter changes because of a voluntary report of a residency change, see section 14213 for details.

12500 QUESTIONABLE INFORMATION

A household is not eligible for benefits until the Specialist verifies questionable information that affects the household’s eligibility or benefits. Information is questionable if it is contradictory or incomplete.

The household has the right to postpone verification of questionable information when required by the rules for expedited service and certain reported changes.

12510 DECIDING IF INFORMATION IS QUESTIONABLE

Information is questionable if the information is contradictory or incomplete. The Specialist must carefully evaluate case information that they have knowledge of and thoroughly interview the customer to determine if there are questionable situations.

DSS considers information contradictory when the household's statements on the application, renewal, six month report, interim report or during the interview are inconsistent, does not agree with information in the case file, or if the information does not agree with information the Specialist has knowledge of. Information is incomplete if there are gaps in information that need to be filled with facts. Below are examples of situations which cause errors in quality control and management Example: John verified rent at application of $300. At the six month report, he reported his rent has now increased to $500. The benefits specialist updated the rent panel to show $500 with an “N” verification code and sent a request for verification of the increased amount within 10 days. John did not provide the verification within the 10-day time frame so the previously verified amount of $300 was budgeted by ACCESS. Example: John verified rent of $100 at renewal. In month 3 he reported that his rent increased to $200 but did not provide verification. The rent panel was updated to show $200 rent and the verification code to N. At the six month report, ACCESS changed the rent panel’s verification code from an “N” to a “?”. If John doesn’t submit verification of the $200 rent, change the “?” to an “N” and the $100 continues to be budgeted unless it is questionable. If questionable, it needs to be resolved.