OBSOLETE POLICY CHIP MANUAL |
Acceptable verification
Verify items of eligibility by electronic match before asking a client to provide verification. If data is not available through any electronic data system or the electronic data received is different than what the client has told you, ask the client for an explanation. If needed, ask for hard copy documentation.
Electronic Data Sources
Use the electronic data sources (706-1) to verify:
Citizenship/identification
Immigration/alien status
Social Security Number
Use electronic data sources to verify other financial and non-financial items of eligibility.
Client's Statement.
You may accept client statement to verify most eligibility items. Only require other verification from the client if you have reasonable data to suggest that the client’s statement is not accurate.
You must accept client statement for proof of pregnancy and the number of children expected.
When client statement is not allowed.
Citizenship/immigration status: Citizenship and immigration status must be verified by electronic verification first. Request hard copy verification when a match is not received through the electronic interface . See Table IV for acceptable sources.
Income: Verify household income with electronic data sources first. If income cannot be verified through a computer match, or the electronic data does not match what the client has told you, ask the client for an explanation and request hard copy verification, or make a collateral contact with the employer or the entity providing the income to the client.
Hard copy verification. Request hard copy verification when you cannot obtain the information in another way such as through reliable computer matches. When an eligibility factor has been verified do not re-verify that eligibility factor unless it is subject to change or if you have current information that contradicts the accuracy of the verification. Examples of eligibility factors that are not subject to change are citizenship, date of birth, and relationship (except for when marital status changes).
Collateral contacts. A collateral contact is when a worker contacts a third party to verify an eligibility factor. A third party may include medical providers and employers, or a family member or friend whom the client has given the eligibility agency permission to contact to validate information. Contact may be made over the phone and properly documented. A signed disclosure form may be requested by the third party before information can be released to you. See Sec. 705-4.