703.19 Verification Requirements SR 97-34, 09/97 (FAM-A)

The applicant must verify the need for an Emergency Assistance payment within 10 calendar days of requesting assistance. Verify all the following:

• the amount necessary to resolve the emergency situation,

• personal property resources, and

• the lack of other forms of energy assistance, when the request is for utility or heat assistance.

Rent, mortgage, and utility arrearages: When any of these exceed 2 months, verify one of the following:

• the Emergency Assistance payment will prevent eviction, foreclosure, or utility termination,

• the remainder of the arrearage can be obtained from an outside source, or

• a payment plan has been arranged for the remainder of the arrearage.

Rent and utility security deposits: When these exceed the Emergency Assistance maximums—even after offsetting the amounts with any personal property resources—verify one of the following:

• the remainder of the deposit can be obtained,

• the Emergency Assistance payment will secure the housing or obtain the utility service, or

• a payment plan has been arranged for the remainder of the deposit.

Monthly rent or mortgage payments: When these are greater than the applicant’s monthly income, require a signed and dated statement from an outside source showing their intent to help the applicant meet the monthly payment.

Accept as verification any documents or collateral contact which reasonably establish facts. Written documentation is not required as a follow-up to collateral contact.

Failure to provide the required verification results in denial of the Emergency Assistance request.

*