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State of Wisconsin |
HISTORY |
The policy on this page is from a previous version of the handbook.
7 CFR 273.2(f)(1)(vii)
At the time of application, verify the identity of the primary person (if not already verified). If an authorized representative applies on behalf of the food unit, then verify the identities of both the authorized representative and the primary person.
Note: A complete Appoint, Change or Remove Authorized Representative form (F-10126) must be on file for an authorized representative designation to be valid. The completed Authorized Representative form meets the ID verification requirement, so no additional verification is required.
Identity is the only verification required to process expedited benefits.
Identity may be verified when the SSA data exchange returns a verified SSN code, through readily available documentary evidence, or through a collateral contact (1.2.6 for suggested sources of verification). See section 1.2.2.2 for definition of collateral contact. Any documents, which reasonably establish the primary person's and/or authorized---- representative's identity must be accepted, and no requirement for a specific type of document, such as a birth certificate or photo ID, may be imposed.
Note: If the primary person’s identity was verified for another program of assistance, do not re-verify the applicant’s identity. Identity is to be verified only once.
7 CFR 273.2(f)(1)(v)
Social Security numbers (SSN), or proof that application has been made for an SSN, must be provided for all household members applying for FoodShare, including newborns. Do not deny benefits pending issuance of an SSN if you have documented an SSN application was made. Failure to provide an SSN or proof of application for an SSN will result in denial of FoodShare benefits for that individual.
IM workers receive an alert when an SSN entered in CARES does not match the SSN verified by the Social Security System (WTPY). In these cases, verify if possible with a third party source and contact the Social Security Administration.
If the agency determines that a food unit member or applicant has refused to provide or apply for an SSN, that individual is ineligible to participate in FoodShare Wisconsin.
Exception for newborns: See 3.13.1.2 SSN Application for Newborns.
7 CFR 273.2(f)(1)(ii)
Verify the immigration status of all non-citizen FoodShare applicants (see section 3.12.1 Citizenship and Immigration Status). If a non-citizen does not want the IM agency to contact USCIS to verify his or her immigration status, the IM agency must give the applicant the option of withdrawing the application or participating without that member. An undocumented immigrant is ineligible until acceptable documentation is provided unless the local agency has submitted a request for verification and is awaiting a response from USCIS, SSA (verification of work quarters), or another federal agency.
Verify citizenship only when the statement about an individual’s citizenship is questionable. A claim of citizenship is questionable when:
Do not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, ethnic background, political beliefs, or national origin when deciding if a claim is questionable. Do not target groups such as migrant farm workers or American Indians for verification. A surname, accent, or appearance that seems foreign is not enough reason to question citizenship.
In addition, if an immigrant is applying for benefits on behalf of another person you may, under federal law, only verify the status of the person who will be receiving the benefits.
7 CFR 273.2(f)(1)(viii)
Verify the disability status of all food unit members applying for FoodShare who are claiming to be disabled (see 3.8.1 Elderly, Blind, or Disabled Individuals).
7 CFR 273.2(f)(1)(vi)
Address, Wisconsin residency, and household composition are separate and distinct eligibility factors with different verification requirements (see 3.2.1 Residence).
Verification of the primary person's residency is required at application and if questionable at renewal for FoodShare eligibility, with an exception for homeless and migrant workers.
Wisconsin "residency" refers to residing or living in Wisconsin, but is not limited to any specific type of housing, place of residence, living arrangement, or address.
State residency (living in Wisconsin) is a condition of eligibility that can be verified through a number of acceptable documents from the applicant, a collateral contact, or another source, and must not be limited to a single type of document.
If the address on the application is not a fixed Wisconsin mailing address and there is no additional information presented at the time of the interview to verify that the applicant resides in Wisconsin, the IM worker should attempt to obtain verification of state residency.
Applicants already receiving other programs of assistance, such as BadgerCare, have already been determined to be living in Wisconsin. No further action is required to determine if the applicant is living in Wisconsin.
Note: Persons on vacation in Wisconsin are not residents of Wisconsin.
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Example 1: Mary is applying for FoodShare. She refuses to provide any information regarding where she is living. Mary claims she is not homeless, not a migrant, and she is not participating in the Safe at Home program. Mary only provides a PO Box for her mail. No other information on Mary’s application establishes her Wisconsin residency. Mary’s application should be pended and a request for verification sent. |
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Example 2: Trent is currently open for health care. On November 13, Trent completes a program add for FoodShare. When the worker starts to process the new FoodShare request, all of the information collected from the health care application is in the case. Wisconsin residency is verified, and not questionable due to receiving health care. Receiving another program of assistance is a valid verification source for Wisconsin residency. |
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Example 3: Joe was homeless at the time of his application. When Joe is completing his renewal (month 6), he reports he is no longer homeless and now living at 1212 N. Union Street, Berlin, Wisconsin. There is no need to request verification of WI Residency since he is stating he is living in Wisconsin and there is no other indicator that this would be questionable. |
Exception
An exception exists for verifying the residency of homeless persons (3.2.1.3 Homelessness) and migrant farm workers (2.1.4.3 Eligibility for Migrant Workers). Do not require residence verification for homeless persons or migrant applicants newly arrived in Wisconsin.
Questionable at renewal
An IM worker may become aware of information that makes Wisconsin residency questionable at the time of renewal. For example a new hire match is received showing the current employer is out of state and the member address listed with the employer is out of state. Clarify the information received through the data exchange with the member, and pend for verification if necessary.
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Example 4: Susan reports a change of address and new employment at her renewal. Her new employer is located in Illinois, but the address on her pay stub matches the address she provided. State residency is not questionable. |
Verification of address is not required for FoodShare eligibility.
Address refers to the actual place where the household is living or receiving mail. Verification of address is not required.
An address is required to be provided at the time of application unless a household is homeless, a migrant, or newly arrived in Wisconsin.
A household does not have to live in a permanent dwelling.
A household may use a general mailing address.
An address must be provided in order to set a FoodShare filing date.
An applicant can give a general mailing address and the application filing date will be set if the application also includes the applicant’s name, and signature. If an address is not given on the application, the application is not valid and cannot be used to set the filing date unless the applicant is homeless, migrant, or has recently moved to Wisconsin and does not yet have a fixed mailing address. If the applicant is homeless or migrant, the application must include a name, date, and signature to set the filing date.
Household composition affects eligibility. If the household composition is determined questionable, verification is required.
Note: FoodShare applicants and members are required to report changes in household composition at application, renewal, and upon submission of a six-month report form (SMRF), or when a change in household composition would result in additional income that would cause the food unit’s total income to exceed 130% of the FPL for their reported food unit size [6.1.1 Change Reporting for All Food Units (Reduced Reporting)]. A report of a change in address does not necessarily make household composition questionable.
CARES Processing: Household Composition
If information is presented at application that causes household composition to be questionable the IM worker must:
Enter a "Q?” in the Household Composition Verification field on the General Case Information page to pend FoodShare.
Initiate a Front End Verification if appropriate.
If the IM worker becomes aware of information that causes household composition to be questionable for an ongoing case he or she must:
Enter a "Q?” in the Household Composition Verification field on the General Case Information page to pend FoodShare, and add text to the verification checklist to explain to the member the information that needs to be clarified.
When the information is provided by the member, make the appropriate updates to the case.
If there is no response from the member by the verification due date, change the Household Composition Verification field to a "QV”.
If a student fails to meet one of the existing exemption reasons (3.15.1 Student Eligibility), verification of enrollment in a program that can be completed in two years or less is required. This may include documents such as an enrollment letter, course schedule, financial aid papers, etc. (1.2.6.2 Verify if Questionable)
Verification that course completion has a direct link to employment that is in demand is required only if demand is not common knowledge to the IM worker. For example, many occupations in the health field are in demand and therefore do not need to be verified.
If the direct link to employment is unknown, several sources may be used as verification including: literature from the school such as a brochure or online program information, collateral contact with Job Center of Wisconsin, FSET or an employment agency, publications in newspapers or online, etc.
This page last updated in Release Number: 20-03
Release Date: 11/23/2020
Effective Date: 10/24/2020
Notice: The content within this manual is the sole responsibility of the State of Wisconsin's Department of Health Services (DHS). This site will link to sites outside of DHS where appropriate. DHS is in no way responsible for the content of sites outside of DHS.
Publication Number: P-16001