125.13 Postponed Verification (FSM)

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Applicants entitled to expedited service must verify identity before receiving their initial benefits unless an Authorized Representative (AR) applies for the individual.

When an AR applies, take the following steps:

1.  Require verification of the AR’s identity; and

2.  If necessary to meet timeframes for expedited service, postpone verification of the applicant’s identity.

Obtain verification of all other eligibility factors if possible, through collateral contacts or readily available documentation. However,  do not delay delivery of benefits past the expedited time frames for eligibility factors other than identity. If necessary, postpone other verification.

Exception: 

If the applicant is a blind or disabled resident of a group living arrangement, you must determine that the group living arrangement is an eligible facility before you issue expedited benefits.

Applicants who postpone verification and other program requirements must provide the required documentary evidence and comply with program requirements before receiving continued benefits.

New HEIGHTS will generate the AE0026, Verification Checklist, to notify the individual of all of the following:

• what information is needed;

• when the information is needed;

• that assistance may not be provided or may end if verification is not provided; and

• that if the expedited household’s benefit level changes as a result of the verification they provide, the changes will take effect without advance notice.

The New HEIGHTS-generated AE0026 is automatically generated anytime something is entered onto the Application Entry screen, marked "Not Yet Verified," and eligibility is run. If New HEIGHTS is unavailable, use the paper backup BFA Form 808, Proof Needed to Determine Your Assistance.

If the individual provides the needed evidence and complies with program requirements within 30 days of the application date, update the case within the earlier of the following time frames:

• 30 days from the application date; or

• 5 working days after receipt of the required verification, if the major run deadline for the second month’s benefits has passed.

Require a new application for expedited service cases that are closed due to failure to provide verification within 30 days of the date of application.

References: RSA 161:4-a,IV; 7 CFR 273.2(f)(1)(vii) & (i)(4)(i); 7 USC 2020(e)(9)