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Subject: SNAP Mandatory Verifications

Policy 24.17 Date of Last Review: 11/30/2023 Effective Date: 02/01/2022 Date of Next Review: 11/30/2026 RDA: SW22 Page 3 of 4 1. Identity: The identity of the applicant shall be verified. When an authorized representative applies on behalf of a household, the identity of both the authorized representative and the head of the household shall be verified through documentary evidence, or if unavailable, a collateral contact. Examples may include but are not limited to a driver’s license, a work ID, an ID for health benefits, a voter registration card, matching SOLQ, a birth certificate, or case information previously verified. 2. Residence: Residency is a requirement for SNAP, and it must be verified at each application that the household is a resident of the State of Tennessee except in unusual circumstances. (Please see SNAP Policy 24.10 Residency Requirements) Eligibility Counselors may verify residence in conjunction with verification of other information such as rent or mortgage payments, utility expenses, or identity. If residence cannot be verified in conjunction with other information, a collateral contact or other readily available documentary evidence shall be used. 3. Alien Status: Alien status shall be verified if members of the household are identified as aliens. U.S. Citizenship will only be verified if the household statement is inconsistent with other information. 4. Social Security Numbers: Verification of newly reported social security numbers may be accomplished by matching the reported number with BENDEX, SDX, observing the social security card or any official document from the Social Security Administration containing the SSN, or by utilizing the SS-5 process. Once an SSN has been verified, it does not need to be re-verified. 5. Household Composition: The number of household members shall be verified at each certification as well as anytime the household size changes. Some acceptable verification can include lease agreements or collateral contacts such as landlords, neighbors, or social agencies. 6. Resources: Liquid and non-liquid countable resources shall be verified. Examples of countable resources are money in bank accounts, stocks, bonds, non-exempt vehicles, non­ exempt property, or lump-sum payments. Some acceptable verification can include statements from banks or other financial institutions. 7. Gross Non-Exempt Income: All non-exempt gross income (earned and unearned) shall be verified prior to approval. The source and amount of all income for each household member shall be explored to determine whether it is to be counted or exempt. Some acceptable verification of income can include copies of most recent pay stubs, an employer’s statement, or a 1040 IRS form. If documentary evidence is not available, the applicant’s signed statement can be accepted. For other verifications that staff may need to request, please see Verification and Documentation for SNAP Supporting Documents Verification and Documentation for SNAP Verification for Expedited Services