In order to protect applicants for and recipients of benefits under the programs identified in subsection (b), or under the supplemental security income program under subchapter XVI, from the improper use of information obtained from the Secretary of the Treasury under section 6103( l )(7)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, no Federal, State, or local agency receiving such information may terminate, deny, suspend, or reduce any benefits of an individual until such agency has taken appropriate steps to independently verify information relating to—
(A)#
the amount of the asset or income involved,
(B)#
whether such individual actually has (or had) access to such asset or income for his own use, and
(C)#
the period or periods when the individual actually had such asset or income.