Page 238

Page | 237 Individuals incarcerated in a Federal, State, or local correctional facility are not eligible for benefits if incarcerated for more than 30 days. If the Specialist has information that an individual may be incarcerated, they may request a prisoner match via SVES or make contact with the correctional facility where the person is incarcerated. When a match or SVES information is received that indicates an individual is incarcerated, the EABS must verify the individual’s whereabouts. If verification is obtained that an individual is in a correctional facility, and will be there for more than 30 days, the individual must be removed following 10 day adverse action time frames.

A match is automatically completed at application or when adding an adult member to ensure all adults are not currently disqualified for intention program violations. If there is a match, an inhibiting edit will display and must be resolved before eligibility can be approved. INFC, EDRS, displays the contact information for verification/substantiation of the IPV.

The contact state must respond within 20 days of the request and provide verification of the IPV date, disqualification period, and how the IPV was affirmed (hearing, waiver, consent agreement or court of law). If the IPV was not substantiated, enter a “Y” on the EDRS OVER field on the MEMS panel.

In addition, if the EABS is contacted by another state agency about IPV information in South Dakota, the EABS will respond within 20 working days of receipt of the request. EABS will provide the necessary verification (including copies of the appropriate documentation and any statement that an individual has asked to be included in their file).

B. Citizenship When a household's statement that one or more of its members are U.S. citizens is questionable, the Specialist must ask the household to give acceptable verification.

C. Voluntary Quit/Reduction in Employment If the voluntary quit or reduction in employment hours is questionable, the benefits specialist should request verification from the household on why the quit occurred or why the reduction in hours occurred. If it is difficult for the household to obtain documentary evidence or suggest the names of reliable collateral contacts in a timely manner, then the benefits specialist will help obtain the verification. However primary responsibility for verifying good cause rests with the household.

Acceptable sources of verification include, but are not limited to: 1. Current or previous employer; and 2. Employee associations; and 3. Unions and grievance committees; and 4. Qualified medical sources.

In the event the household and benefits specialist are unable to obtain requested verification of good cause from qualified and impartial sources or because the cause for quit or hour reduction resulted from circumstances that for good reason cannot be verified, such as a resignation from employment due to discrimination practices, or unreasonable demands from the employer, or because the employer cannot be located, then the household will not be denied access to program benefits solely on voluntary quit or reduction of hours provisions.