301.07 Verification of Identity SR 10-31, 12/10 (FAM-A)

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

For most applicants of financial or medical assistance, identity is verified via an electronic data crossmatch process with the Social Security Administration (SSA), which uses the financial and/or medical 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 the only acceptable forms of documentary proof of identity when applying for most categories of cash or medical assistance. All identity documents MUST BE ORIGINALS OR COPIES CERTIFIED BY THE ISSUING AGENCY. Notarized copies are not considered valid proofs.

If aged 16 or older, a picture ID is required:

• 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; or

• US Coast Guard Merchant Marine Card.

Three or more documents together, having the individual’s name, consistent identifying information, and prior approval from the DO supervisor, may only be used to verify identity if the documents above are unavailable to the individual. Examples of documents that could be used are:

• Employer ID Cards;

• High School/College diplomas or GED from accredited schools;

• Marriage Certificates;

• Divorce Decrees; or

• Property Deeds/Titles.

Special Identity Rules for Children Aged 15 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 15 or younger. (School records must be verified with the school).

Special Identity Rules for Disabled Individuals in Institutional Care Facilities

An identity affidavit signed by the institution’s director or administrator on behalf of an institutionalized individual in the facility may be accepted as proof of identity only when no other proof of identity is available to the individual.

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;

• children or pregnant women determined to be presumptively eligible for medical assistance;

• 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 and medical assistance to any individual who does not provide proof of identity.

Exception: If applicants for financial and/or medical 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 of 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 or medical assistance.

If the required documentation is not provided *within 95 days from the date of the NOD, terminate financial assistance for the entire assistance group and medical assistance for the individuals who have failed to provide documentation of identity.