View History

1.2.5 Questionable Items

7 CFR Code of Federal Regulations 273.2(f)(2) and

USDA SNAP Policy Guidance, November 11, 2008

Local agencies may request verification of other factors if information provided at application, review, or reported change is questionable, unclear, or incomplete and would have an affect on FS FoodShare eligibility or benefit level.

 

Some examples of circumstances that may require further verification are:

 

  1. Household Composition

  2. Claim of Separate Food Unit

  3. School Enrollment

  4. Household expenses exceed income

  5. Pay stub name differs from employed FS Unit member's name

  6. Other

 

If an agency receives conflicting information, verification must be requested to clarify the circumstances.  For example, if household expenses exceed income, obtain a written statement from the client on how they are paying expenses, or verify with the landlord how rent is being paid.

 

There may be instances where the household member has reported its earnings as required by program rules, and produced a pay stub to verify those earnings. Although the name on the pay stub differs from the applicant/participant’s name, the purpose of the documentation is not to verify identity. The household member can attest to the accuracy of those earnings and provides a reasonable explanation for the discrepancy with the name contained on the pay stub. The local agency could reasonably consider such documentary evidence to verify the reported income.  See 1.2.1.3 Responsibility for Verification.

 

 

 

This page last updated in Release Number: 08-05

Release Date: 12/15/08

Effective Date: 12/15/08