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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES INCOME DEDUCTIONS

10/25 VOLUME V, PART X, PAGE 9

B. VERIFICATION OF DEDUCTIONS (7 CFR 273.2(f)(3))

Deductible expenses must be verified. If obtaining the verification delays the household's certification, the BPS must advise the household that the eligibility and benefit level determination may be made without allowing a deduction for the unverified expenses. If the expense cannot be verified within 30 days of the date of application, the BPS must determine the household's eligibility and benefit level without providing a deduction for the unverified expense. If a household wants to claim actual utility costs but does not provide verification of its shelter expenses by the 30th day, the utility standard must be allowed if the household is entitled to it. The household is not entitled to restoration of lost benefits when expenses are not deducted because verification could not be obtained. If, however, the expense could not be verified within the thirty-day processing standard because the BPS failed to allow the household at least 10 days to provide the verification, lost benefits must be restored.

If a household would be ineligible without a deductible expense, the BPS must send the household the Notice of Action to extend the pending status of the case on the 30th day after the initial application or reapplication was filed. If the lack of verification is the fault of the household, the household will have an additional 30 days to take the required action. If eligible, the household is entitled to benefits only from the day the household provides the last verification or takes the last required action. (See Part II.G.2.). If the lack of verification is the fault of the local department of social services, and the household is eligible, the household is entitled to benefits retroactive to the month of application. (See Part II.G.3.). If a recertification application is filed, verification time frames at recertification (Part IV.C.4) will apply and the ability to extend the pending status of the application is not allowed.

TRANSMITTAL #36