The what’s and how’s of eligibility verification

Every applicant for Basic Food Assistance has to verify the same basic eligibility criteria.

WHAT TO VERIFY BASIC FOOD

Alien Status XFor all non-citizen AU members*

Child Support Obligation

X

Only if questionable

(Continue to check SEMS for cases through DCS)

CitizenshipX

Only if questionable

Dependent Care Expenses(Including transportation costs)

XOnly if questionable

(Continue to check WCAP for WCCC copays

Disability X

Household Composition(Includes Purchase & Prepare arrangements)

XOnly if  questionable

IdentityX

For applicant or both the Head of Household and Authorized Representative

WHAT TO VERIFY BASIC FOOD

Incapacity X

Income

XRecertification:

     If source has changed; or

    If amount has changed over $50.

NOTE:  There is no requirement to verify

             income-in-kind for BF.

Medical ExpensesX

Only for elderly persons or persons with disabilities and only if in excess of 25% of

household income or more than $300.

ResidencyX

Households that are not Categorically Eligible (CE) for Basic Food

Shelter Costs XOnly if questionable

SSN Application X

Questionable Information X

The Department does not request a specific form of verification.

Eligibility Factor Acceptable Verification

Alien Status (For all non-citizen AU members)

See tables in NILC Guide for documents used to verify alien status

Child Support Obligation Court papers SEMS data Statement from custodial parent Receipt

Dependent Care Expenses Statement from the provider Bills or receipts SSPS data

Disability Award letter from SSA DDDS disability approval Collateral contact with SSA Collateral contact with VA Decision from disability

program specialist (ABD cash)

Household Composition Statement from landlord Rental agreement Collateral contact

Identity (for Cash and Food) Driver's license State ID card Birth certificate Passport School records Current Alien Registration

Card Collateral Contact outside

the client's household SOLQ

Eligibility Factor Acceptable Verification

Income Pay stubs Employer statement by

telephone or in writing SEMS data ACES Interfaces Bank statement that shows

direct deposits (many deposits show the net amount, you may need additional information that shows the gross income)

Collateral contact SOLQ

Medical Expenses Bills/Receipts Statement from the provider

Residency Rental or lease agreement Statement from landlord Mortgage papers Utility company records or bills

Shelter Costs Landlord statement Current lease Rent or mortgage receipt Utility bills Collateral contact

SSN Application Collateral contact with SSA SSA printouts or documents Birth document that states

SSN was applied for

•       

• Does it verify the eligibility factor? 

• Is the document/statement the most reliable available evidence?

• Was the document/statement prepared near the time the event took place?

• Is the document/statement signed and dated?

• Are there any inconsistencies in the document/statement itself?

• Is the document/statement consistent with other information?

• Is the document/statement based upon first-hand knowledge rather than opinion, inference, or hearsay?

• Has the document been in the possession of a person with reason to change it?  Does it appear the document is altered? 

• Is there any other reason to question the validity of the document?

Income Deductions

We only require verification of a household’s income deductions for Basic Food when the information is questionable.

 

We must still make use of readily available information such as child support paid by the household through SEMS or Working Connections Child Care copayments through WCAP.

Questions?