Verification

The eligibility agency will use electronic data matching to verify factors of eligibility before asking the individual to provide additional information or documentation. Individuals must verify factors of eligibility when:

The information is not available electronically, or

The electronic data is not reasonably compatible with the client’s statement.

The following rules apply when asking the individual to provide verification:

The agency will give individuals a written request for verifications

Applicants and recipients will have at least 10 days from the date the agency gives or mails a request for verifications to provide the verification.

Verifications needed to complete an application must be returned no later than the last day of the application processing period.

If the due date falls on a non-business day, the individual has until the close of business on the first business day after the due date.

Verifications turned in at an outreach location at a time the outreach office is open are dated as received on that day. If verifications are turned in at an outreach location at a time when the office is closed, the date received is the last day that a staff person was at that location to receive or collect verifications.

Individuals may ask for more time to return verifications. The agency will give the individual at least 10 more days to provide the verifications if the individual asks for more time by the due date.

If the agency requests more information, the agency will allow at least 10 days for the individual to return the information. The agency will extend the application processing period as needed to give the individual time to return verifications.

If verifications are not provided on time, the agency will deny the application or close the eligibility review.

If the agency cannot give 10-day notice for an adverse action, it must continue benefits to the following month. (See Section 803 for exceptions to the advance notice requirements.)

If the applicant provides verifications within 30 days after an application has been denied, the date the verifications are received becomes the new application date. The individual does not have to complete a new application form.

If the applicant returns verifications more than 30 days after the application has been denied, the individual will have to reapply.

If a case closed for failure to complete the review, the individual has 90 days from the date of closure to return verifications without having to complete a new application.

Anytime a due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or state holiday, the individual has until the close of business on the business day immediately following the due date to turn in verifications.

Note: If the Post Office returns a notice requesting verifications with no forwarding address, see Sec. 803-2 .

Give applicants at least 10 days from the mailing date of the request to return verifications. Applicants may request more time if they contact the agency by the due date. In that case, give applicants at least 10 more days.

If an application is incomplete, the agency will contact the applicant and offer ways for them to complete it. The application must be completed by the end of the application processing period, or it will be denied. If the application is completed by the 30th day after a denial, the new application date is the date the application is completed.

See Section 102-1 when an application is received while another application is already pending.

See Section 704 for more information on eligibility reviews.

See Section 804 for verifications needed when a change is reported.