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West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Chapter 10

West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Page 20 Chapter 10 The Case Maintenance Process

10.4.2.B.4 Unclear Information Unclear information is any information received from any source with which the Worker cannot readily determine the effect of the reported information on the household’s benefit. The Worker must pursue clarification and required verification of unclear information related to these reported changes. Additional information requested from the applicant is due 10 calendar days from the date of the DFA-6 or verification checklist. Unclear Information Example 1: An AG member reports her boyfriend has moved into the home and she wishes to add him to her SNAP case. She does not offer any additional information. Because it is unclear how his addition to the case will affect the benefits, the Worker must ask if he has earned or unearned income. If this information is not known, a DFA-6 will need to be issued and proper procedure followed. Unclear Information Example 2: An AG member reports her boyfriend has moved out of the home. She does not offer any additional information. The case information indicates he is paying the rent. The Worker must pursue clarification regarding who is now paying the rent and continue to make the appropriate changes to remove him from the case. Unclear Information Example 3: A woman reports her boyfriend moved in, but they are going to purchase and prepare meals separately. The Worker notices the boyfriend has the same last name as the newborn that was added to the case last month. The Worker must pursue clarification regarding the relationship between the boyfriend and the child, as this could affect benefit amount. Unclear Information Example 4: An AG member reports they have moved. They offer no other information. The Worker must pursue clarification regarding how the shelter and utility costs have changed and make the appropriate changes to the case. In this example, it is not appropriate to ask about income and other household members if this information is not provided. 10.4.2.C Timely Reporting and Follow Up To determine if a claim for benefit repayment must be established or a lost benefit restored, a decision must be made as to whether or not a change was reported in a timely manner.