For provisions relating to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determination for self-petitioned Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status by battered non-citizens, see 0031.18 (Battered Spouses, Children, and Parents of Battered Children).


MFIP:
The provisions apply to verifying domestic abuse relating to the Family Violence Waiver Option. See 0005.12.12.09 (Family Violence Provisions/Referrals).
A client who claims that he/she is a victim of family violence and wants to claim a Family Violence Waiver must provide documentation of the abuse.

Consider any of the following as acceptable verification of family violence:

●	Police, government agency, or court records.
●	Statement from a battered women’s shelter staff person or a sexual assault or domestic violence advocate with knowledge of the circumstances.
●	Statement from a professional from whom the client has sought assistance about the abuse.
●	Sworn statement from the participant AND sworn statement from any other person with knowledge of the circumstances.
●	Sworn statement from the participant AND any credible evidence that supports the client’s statement.

For the definition of a SWORN STATEMENT, see 0002.65 (Glossary: Substantial…).

You must help the client if he/she has difficulty in securing any of these items. You may also refer the client to a family violence advocate or legal services for help.

A client who claims good cause for IV-D and whose claim is approved may use the same documentation to verify family violence. Do NOT require the client to duplicate information already provided to the IV-D worker. See 0028.18 (Good Cause for Non-Compliance--MFIP).

SNAP, MSA, GA, HSP:
No provisions.