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 0011.03.21 (Non-Citizens - Victims of Battery/Cruelty).


MFIP, DWP:
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 1 of the following items as acceptable verification of family violence:

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

NOTE:

A notarized statement is recommended from the participant and other person with knowledge of the circumstances, but it is not required. A sworn statement is needed at the minimum. For the definition of a sworn statement, see 0002.65 (Glossary: Suitable…).

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/DWP).


SNAP, GA, MSA, GRH:
No provisions.