301.07 Verification of Identity (FAM)

___________________________________________________________

Verify identity of each assistance group member at the initial determination of eligibility.

For most applicants of financial assistance, identity is verified via an electronic data crossmatch process with the Social Security Administration (SSA), which uses the financial assistance applicant’s SSN, name, and date of birth to verify citizenship and identity information with SSA records. If the SSA crossmatch fails to verify an applicant’s identity, or the applicant is unable or is not required to provide a SSN, acceptable documentary proof of identity must be provided.

The documents detailed below are considered acceptable forms of documentary proof of identity when applying for most categories of cash assistance. Photocopies, faxes, scanned or other copies of documents are considered valid proofs, unless the information is inconsistent with other available information or the validity of the copied document is questionable.

Acceptable Identity Documents

• US Passport;

• Certificate of Naturalization;

• Certificate of US Citizenship;

• Picture Driver’s License;

• Picture School ID;

• US Military or Draft Card;

• State, Federal, or local government ID Card;

• Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood or Tribal Document with Picture;

• Military Dependent ID Card;

• US Coast Guard Merchant Marine Card;

• Voter’s Registration Card; or

• Proof of identity verified by a federal or state government agency such as: a public assistance, law enforcement, Internal Revenue, tax bureau, or corrections agency.

2 or more documents together, having the individual’s name and consistent identifying information. Examples of documents that could be used are:

• Employer ID Cards;

• High School (HS), HS Equivalency or College diplomas;

• Marriage Certificates;

• Divorce Decrees; or

• Property Deeds/Titles.

Special Identity Rules for Children Aged 19 or Younger

Clinic, doctor, hospital or school records including nursery/daycare records or report cards may be used as proof of identity for children aged 19 or younger.

If none of the identity proofs above are available, an individual may submit an affidavit that is signed, under penalty of perjury, by another person who can attest to the individual’s identity. The affidavit must contain the individual’s name, and other identifying information, such as age, sex, race, height, weight, eye color or address. The affidavit does not have to be notarized.

Exceptions to the Above Identity Requirements:

The following individuals can verify identity using any document that reasonably establishes the individual’s identity as they are exempt from the more restrictive identity requirements described above. If no document is available, use a collateral contact:

• individuals who are entitled to or enrolled in Medicare (Part A, Part B, or Part D, for example);

• individuals who receive SSI, verified via the SDX;

• individuals who receive SSDI;

• newborn infants born to women who are current Medicaid recipients. Consider newborns who meet this criteria to have proven citizenship and identity at birth. No further proof is required at subsequent redeterminations. This group includes children whose births were covered by Emergency Medicaid for Non-Citizens; and

• children receiving either Title IV-B services or Title IV-E adoption or foster care payments.

Deny financial assistance to the entire assistance group when an AG member does not provide proof of identity.

Exception: If applicants for financial assistance meet all other program eligibility requirements and the inability to verify identity is the only reason that prevents a determination of eligibility for the applicant household because…

• the SSA data crossmatch failed to verify the applicant’s identity; or

• the applicant is unable to provide identity documentation; or

• the applicant is unable or not required to provide a SSN…

…do not automatically deny assistance. Instead, allow the applicant 95 days from the date on the notice of decision (NOD) to provide the required documentation.

• For applicants who are able to use the SSA data crossmatch, the NOD is the New HEIGHTS-generated DX0011, Citizenship Verification Request.

• For applicants who are not able to use the SSA data crossmatch, the NOD is the generic open notice for financial assistance.

If the required documentation is not provided within 95 days from the date on the NOD, terminate financial assistance for the entire assistance group.

References: He-W 606.28, He-W 636.02, RSA 167.79,III(i), 42 CFR 435.407