107 PROVIDING VERIFICATION (FSM)

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At application and recertifications, individuals have primary responsibility for providing evidence to verify eligibility or compliance with an eligibility requirement. However, if a recipient is reporting a change during the certification period, verification requirements are different.

For discovered or reported changes during the certification period, see:

• PART 147, ACTIONS ON CHANGES;

• PART 151, CHANGES THAT INCREASE BENEFITS; and

• PART 153, CHANGES THAT DECREASE BENEFITS.

At applications and recertifications, the Department must do all of the following:

• inform individuals of what they must do or what information is needed;

• assist the individual, upon request, in obtaining the needed information or alternate information, when the information originally requested cannot be obtained;

• allow up to 10 calendar days for the individual to comply or to advise the District Office that the requested information cannot be obtained;

Exception: At certification or recertification, the individual may be given less than 10 days to provide the needed information when:

- the individual failed to keep appointments or provide full information; and

- the need for verification is discovered less than 10 days from the 30-day processing deadline.

• assist the individual, upon request, in identifying alternate information when the information originally requested cannot be obtained;

• assist the individual in designating a collateral contact, if requested;

• evaluate the information to ensure the accuracy of the documentation; and

• accept accurate documentation given by the individual or collateral sources.

If documentary evidence is not available, timely, or sufficient and the household has made reasonable efforts to obtain missing proof, take the following actions:

• offer assistance in obtaining the documentary evidence;

• use a collateral contact; or

• make a home visit.

The individual provides the name of any collateral contact. They may request assistance from the District Office in designating a collateral contact.

Documentary evidence may be provided in person, through the mail, or through an authorized representative.

References: 7 CFR 273.2(d), 7 CFR 273.2(f)