(Revised 01/01/04 ML2893)
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Other than the mandatory verifications, workers must verify other factors of eligibility only if they are questionable and affect the household's eligibility or benefit level.
Information is considered questionable when the applicant makes inconsistent statements with what is listed on the application, previous applications, or information received by the worker.
A household's report of expenses that exceed its income may be grounds for a determination that further verification is required. However, this circumstance will not, in and of itself, be grounds for denial. The worker must explore with the household how it is managing its finances, whether the household receives excluded income or has assets, and how long the household has managed under these circumstances.
The following information must be verified if questionable along with any other household discrepancies:
- Assets - At the time of the application interview, household assets must be explored. The worker must explain to all households what liquid and non-liquid assets are and the household's responsibility to report them.
Asset information must be verified prior to certification only if inconsistent with other information on the application, previous application or other documented information known to the worker. If the applicant is unable to resolve the apparent inconsistency, the worker must then verify questionable information.
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Liquid Assets - Current bank statements, documents or collateral contact that support the household statements.
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Non-Liquid Assets - Verification from local realtors, tax assessors or other knowledgeable sources can be used to verify non-liquid assets.
To receive TANF Information and Referral Services, a household must provide asset verification if questionable.
- Household Composition - household size and boarder status.
- Citizenship - Documents such as birth certificates, religious records, voter registration cards, passports, certificate of citizenship or certificate of naturalization are suitable verifications of citizenship.
If verification cannot be obtained and the household can provide a reasonable explanation as to why verification is not available, a signed statement from someone who is a United States citizen must be accepted. Such a statement must read as follows:
"I declare under penalty of perjury that _____________ is a United States citizen. It is my understanding that intentionally giving false information to help this person get SNAP benefits may result in a fine, imprisonment, or both."
