MANDATORY VERIFICATIONS - CASH ASSISTANCE

ISSUE DATE: 09/2023

See 0010.18 (Mandatory Verifications) for mandatory verifications that apply to all programs.

See 0010.18.02 (Mandatory Verifications - SNAP) for additional mandatory verification provisions that apply to SNAP.

See provisions below for ADDITIONAL mandatory verification provisions that apply to each specific cash program.

MFIP:
See 0010.03 (Verification – Cooperation and Consent) for circumstances when a signed personal statement from the client is acceptable verification.

Applications completed by phone or internet telepresence require that the last signature page of the CAF is returned within 30 days. Pend the application awaiting the signature(s). See 0005.12 (Accepting and Processing Applications).

VERIFY THE FOLLOWING AT INITIAL APPLICATION:

●	Costs of child care when applying the initial eligibility test. See 0018.09 (Dependent Care Deduction).
●	Stop work, if necessary to verify income in the month of application.
●	The number of hours worked each month.
●	Counted assets. See 0010 (Verification), 0015.01 (Counted Assets).

●	Presence of a minor child in the home, if questionable.
●	Marriage date, if needed to determine eligibility for New Spouse Income policy. See 0022.11 (New Spouse Income).
●	Identity of adults.
●	Age, if related to eligibility or benefit level.
●	Social Security number, unless the unit member qualifies as a non-citizen who is a victim of battery and/or cruelty. See 0011.03.21 (Non-Citizens - Victims of Battery/Cruelty). Do not require a Social Security card to verify the social security number (SSN) a client provides. Only keep copies of social security cards in a case file if they are used to resolve an IEVS discrepancy or an SSN DAIL message. See 0010.18.03 (Verifying Social Security Numbers). Do not require undocumented persons to provide a Social Security number.
●	Child and spousal support payments to people outside the household, to be allowed as a deduction.
●	School attendance, if related to eligibility.
	-	Full-time school attendance and anticipated graduation date of any 18 year old minor children in the assistance unit.
	-	Full-time school enrollment of an employed minor child in the assistance unit to determine exclusion of earnings.
	-	Half-time school enrollment of caregivers under age 20 to determine exclusion of earnings.
	See 0017.15.15 (Income of Minor Child/Caregiver Under 20) for when to count income
●	Relationship of caregivers to the child. See 0005.12.12 (Application Interviews), 0010.03 (Verification Cooperation and Consent), 0010.06 (Sources of Verification - Documents), 0014.03.03 (Determining the Cash Assistance Unit).
●	Pregnancy, if related to eligibility. See 0013.03.03 (Pregnant Woman Basis – MFIP/DWP).
●	State residence. See 0011.06 (State Residence), 0011.06.09 (State Residence – 30-Day Requirement).
●	The number of months the unit received TANF funds in another state only if the applicant checks "yes" on the application to receipt of assistance in another state. See 0011.30 (60-Month Lifetime Limit), 0013.05 (DWP Bases of Eligibility).
●	Application for other maintenance benefits. See 0012.12 (Applying for Other Benefits).
●	Disability or illness, if needed to determine eligibility for Family Stabilization Services (FSS) or 60-month extension. See 0011.33 (MFIP Hardship Extensions), 0011.34 (Family Stabilization Services).
●	Family violence if used as a basis to qualify for a family violence waiver. See 0005.12.12.09 (Family Violence Provisions/Referrals), 0011.30 (60-Month Lifetime Limit), 0010.18.33 (Verifying Family Violence), 0029.29 (Safe At Home Program).
●	Shelter costs, as required for vendor payments. See SHELTER COSTS in 0002.61 (Glossary: SELF...), 0024.09 (Protective and Vendor Payments).
●	The amount of a housing subsidy and exemptions to counting the subsidy. See 0017.15.99 (Housing Subsidy).
●	Approved living arrangement of a minor caregiver. See 0012.06 (Requirements for Caregivers Under 20).
● ●	Sponsor income and assets. See 0015.48 (Whose Assets to Consider), 0016 (Income From People Not in the Unit). Emergency situation, if related to good cause reason for failure to comply with financial orientation or reemployment services. Verify when there’s a pending eviction or utility shut-off. For all other circumstances, accept the participant’s verbal statement. See EMERGENCY SITUATION in 0002.19 (Glossary: Early…) and 0028.18 (Good Cause for Non-Compliance – MFIP/DWP).

Counties and tribes must verify immigration status for any person reported on the Combined Application Form (CAF) who is a non-citizen, naturalized citizen, or derived citizen and for whom the applicant is requesting benefits. Do not request verification of immigration status for people listed on the application who are not applying for assistance.

See 0010.18.11.03 (Systematic Alien Verification (SAVE)), 0011.03 (Citizenship and Immigration Status) when a document presented to verify immigration status has expired.

If the applicant cannot provide proof of immigration status for a MANDATORY unit member, you must:

●	Offer to help obtain the verification.
●	Obtain a signed release of information from the client.
●	Continue the application process excluding the mandatory unit member. See 0011.03.27.03 (Protocols for Reporting Undocumented People), 0014.03.03 (Determining the Cash Assistance Unit).

VERIFY THE FOLLOWING AT RECERTIFICATION:

●	Counted income. See 0010.18 (Mandatory Verifications)
●	Presence of a minor child in the home, if questionable.
●	Inconsistent information. See 0010.15 (Verification - Inconsistent Information).
●	Counted assets when the client reports that their total combined counted asset value is within $200 of the asset limit. See 0010 (Verification), 0015.01 (Counted Assets).

●	Whether a caregiver is eligible for Family Stabilization Services (FSS). See 0011.34 (Family Stabilization Services).
●	The amount of a housing subsidy and exemptions to counting the subsidy. See 0017.15.99 (Housing Subsidy).
● ●	Child and spousal support payments to people outside the household. See 0018.33 (Child and Spousal Support Deductions). Marriage date, if needed to determine eligibility for New Spouse Income policy. See 0022.11 (New Spouse Income).
●	Emergency situation, if related to good cause reason for failure to comply with financial orientation or employment services. Verify when there’s pending eviction or utility shut-off. For all other circumstances, accept the participant’s verbal statement. See EMERGENCY SITUATION in 0002.19 (Glossary: Early…) and 0028.18 (Good Cause for Non-Compliance – MFIP/DWP).

VERIFY THE FOLLOWING CHANGES WHEN REPORTED:

See 0007.15 (Unscheduled Reporting of Changes – Cash) for changes participants are required to report within 10 days.

●	Counted assets when the client reports that their total combined counted asset value is within $200 of the asset limit. See 0010 (Verification), 0015.01 (Counted Assets).

●	Unit member whose earnings or hours are counted starts a job. See 0007.12 (Agency Responsibilities for Client Reporting).
●	Unit member whose earnings or hours are counted terminates a job. See 0008.06.15 (Removing or Recalculating Income).
●	Unit member whose earnings or hours are counted starts or stops a business, or the business undergoes a major change. See 0017.15.33.03 (Self-Employment, Convert Inc. to Monthly Amt - Cash).
●	Unit member whose income is counted reports initial receipt of unearned income or a lump sum. See 0022 (Budgeting and Benefit Determination).
●	Birth and relationship of newborn to father when he is in the home. See 0008.06.12.09 (Converting a Pregnant Woman Case), 0010.03 (Verification Cooperation and Consent), 0010.06 (Sources of Verification - Documents).
●	Returns to the home of unit members and financially responsible people. See 0008.06.06 (Adding a Person to the Unit – Cash); 0008.06.12 (Adding a Person’s Income).
●	Temporary absences of unit members from the home. See 0014.09 (Assistance Units – Temporary Absence).
●	A change in the custody of a minor child or a change in visitation schedule. See 0014.12 (Units for People With Multiple Residences).
●	Child and spousal support payments to people outside the household. See 0018.33 (Child and Spousal Support Deductions).
●	Full-time school attendance and anticipated graduation date of any 18 year old minor children in the assistance unit.
●	Full-time school enrollment of an employed minor child in the assistance unit to determine exclusion of earnings.
●	Half-time school enrollment of caregivers under age 20 to determine exclusion of earnings.
●	School attendance for parents under age 20 who are required to attend school as part of an Employment Services Plan. See 0028.12 (Education Requirements).
●	Illness or disability if needed to determine eligibility for a hardship extension or to change to FSS. See 0011.33 (MFIP Hardship Extensions), 0011.34 (Family Stabilization Services).
●	Family violence at the time it is claimed. See 0010.18.33 (Verifying Family Violence).
●	A change in immigration status. See 0010.18.11.03 (Systematic Alien Verification (SAVE)).
●	Application for a benefit a participant may be eligible for. Counties and tribes can use Notice to Apply for Other Maintenance Benefits (DHS-2116) (PDF) to notify participant of this requirement. See 0012.12 (Applying for Other Benefits).
●	Any new rent subsidy or any change in rent subsidy.
● ●	Marriage date, if needed to determine eligibility for New Spouse Income policy. See 0022.11 (New Spouse Income). Emergency situation, if related to good cause reason for failure to comply with financial orientation or employment services. Verify when there’s a pending eviction or utility shut-off. For all other circumstances, accept the participant’s verbal statement. See EMERGENCY SITUATION in 0002.19 (Glossary: Early…) and 0028.18 (Good Cause for Non-Compliance – MFIP/DWP).

DWP:
See 0010 (Verification) and 0010.03 (Verification – Cooperation and Consent) for circumstances when a signed personal statement from the client is acceptable verification.

For verification requirements for unlikely to benefit categories, see 0008.06.24 (DWP Conversion or Referral to MFIP).

Follow MFIP. In addition, verify:

●	Family maintenance needs before the expense can be allowed in the DWP grant calculation, see 0022.12 (How to Calc. Benefit Level - MFIP/DWP/GA), FAMILY MAINTENANCE NEEDS in 0002.23 (Glossary: Fair Hearing...).
	AND
●	Receipt of DWP or MFIP within the last 12 months. See 0013.05 (DWP Bases of Eligibility).
	AND
●	Receipt of TANF-funded assistance months, used to determine DWP eligibility. See 0013.05 (DWP Bases of Eligibility).

SNAP:
See 0010.18.02 (Mandatory Verifications - SNAP).

MSA:
For all applicants and recipients, verify eligibility for special needs payments, if the client appears to be eligible. See 0023 (Special Needs Payments).

FOR SSI RECIPIENTS, VERIFY THE FOLLOWING AT INITIAL APPLICATION:

●	Identity of each person applying for assistance.
●	Social Security number of all people applying for assistance. See 0010.18.03 (Verifying Social Security Numbers).
●	Client's receipt of SSI. See 0010.18.05 (Verifying Disability/Incapacity – Cash).
●	The Federal Benefit Rate used to determine the client's SSI benefits.

FOR NON-SSI RECIPIENTS, VERIFY THE FOLLOWING AT INITIAL APPLICATION:

●	Identity of each person applying for assistance.
●	Counted income. See 0017.15.45.03 (How to Determine Gross RSDI).
●	Counted assets. See 0010 (Verification), 0015.01 (Counted Assets).

●	Social Security number of all people applying for assistance. See 0010.18.03 (Verifying Social Security Numbers).
●	Basis of eligibility (age, blindness, or disability). See 0010.18.05 (Verifying Disability/Incapacity - Cash), 0013.09 (MSA Bases of Eligibility).

FOR NON-SSI RECIPIENTS, VERIFY THE FOLLOWING AT RECERTIFICATION:

●	Counted income. See 0017.15.45.03 (How to Determine Gross RSDI).
●	Counted assets when the client reports that their total combined counted asset value is within $200 of the asset limit. See 0010 (Verification), 0015.01 (Counted Assets).

GA:
VERIFY THE FOLLOWING AT INITIAL APPLICATION:

●	Counted income.
●	Counted assets. See 0010 (Verification), 0015.01 (Counted Assets).

●	Identity of each person applying for assistance.
●	Age, if required to determine eligibility.
●	State residence. See 0011.06 (State Residence).
●	GA eligibility basis. See 0013.15 (GA Bases of Eligibility).
●	Date and reason of employment termination, and date last paid. Verify at the point of employment termination for participants, and for any employment terminated within 90 days of application for applicants.
●	Social Security number. See 0010.18.03 (Verifying Social Security Numbers).

VERIFY THE FOLLOWING AT RECERTIFICATION:

●	GA eligibility basis. See 0013.15 (GA Bases of Eligibility).
●	Counted income.
●	Counted assets when the client reports that their total combined counted asset value is within $200 of the asset limit. See 0010 (Verification), 0015.01 (Counted Assets).

GRH:
VERIFY THE FOLLOWING AT INITIAL APPLICATION:

●	Counted income.
●	Counted assets. See 0010 (Verification), 0015.01 (Counted Assets).

●	Identity of the applicant applying for assistance.
●	Age, if required to determine eligibility.
●	State residence. See 0011.06 (State Residence).
●	GRH eligibility basis. See 0013.18 (GRH Bases of Eligibility).
●	Date and reason of employment termination, and date last paid. Verify at the point of employment termination for participants, and for any employment terminated within 90 days of application for applicants.
●	Social Security number. See 0010.18.03 (Verifying Social Security Numbers).

VERIFY THE FOLLOWING AT RECERTIFICATION:

●	GRH eligibility basis. See 0013.18 (GRH Bases of Eligibility).
●	Counted income.
●	Counted assets when the client reports that their total combined counted asset value is within $200 of the asset limit. See 0010 (Verification), 0015.01 (Counted Assets).

ADDITIONAL VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

For all recipients of the GRH Supplemental Service rate, verify the following information on the Professional Statement of Need (DHS-7122) (PDF) at application and recertification:

●	Has an illness or disabling condition which limits their ability to work and provide self-support.
●	Needs assistance to access or maintain housing.

The Professional Statement of Need is a time-limited form, which must be updated annually, or more frequently if the person's condition changes. A Qualified Professional (list found on page 2 of the Professional Statement of Need), or, in some cases, a County or Tribal Designee is responsible for signing the Professional Statement of Need.

For all Supportive Housing recipients, verify at application:

Completed Habitability Inspection Form (DHS-7123) (PDF) at initial move-in or upon individual moving to a different unit.

For residents of Supportive Housing settings for people who have experienced long-term homelessness, verify all of the following at application:

●	Completed Habitability Inspection Form (DHS-7123) (PDF) at initial move-in or upon individual moving to a different unit.
●	A completed Minnesota Housing Long-Term Homeless Eligibility Form (found at https://www.mnhousing.gov/sites/multifamily/serviceproviders). The person must meet the DHS criteria for having experienced long-term homelessness:

-	Lacking a permanent place to live continuously for 1 year or more, or at least 4 times in the past 3 years.
-	Exclude any period of institutionalization or incarceration when determining the length of homelessness.

For Transition from Residential Treatment, verify at application:

Section 5 of the Professional Statement of Need (DHS-7122) (PDF) signed by a staff member of a Residential Behavioral Health Treatment facility.

PREVIOUS REVISIONS

Date	Notes
02/2023	in MFIP, MSA, GA, GRH changes to eliminate redundancy in the asset provisions and better reflect asset verification policy.
10/2022	MFIP updates wording for clarification of school status
07/2022	in MFIP, MSA, GA, GRH adds business accounts that are used to pay expenses not related to the business to the list of things to verify at application, recertification and when a change is reported.
02/2022	MFIP adds information for applications completed by phone/internet telepresence. Adds cross-reference to 0011.34 (Family Stabilization Services). GRH deletes all previous provisions & adds new provisions.
01/2021	in MFIP in 3rd paragraph adds and deletes information for clarity. Deletes 6th paragraph about if applicant does not want you to contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. In the last paragraph adds and deletes information for clarity.
11/2019	in MFIP under the sub-headings VERIFY THE FOLLOWING AT INITIAL APPLICATION and VERIFY THE FOLLOWING AT RECERTIFICATION deletes to verify "Source and purpose of deposits and withdrawals from business accounts."
10/2019	in MFIP under the sub-heading VERIFY THE FOLLOWING AT INITIAL APPLICATION deletes and adds cross-references and deletes 5th paragraph referencing TEMP Manual TE02.05.98 (IMIG Status and Cards With Expiration Dates) because this section has been deleted.
08/2019	update cross-references to 0017.15.33.03 (Self-Employment, Convert Inc. to Monthly Amt - Cash) due to section title change. No policy was changed.
02/2019	in MFIP adds verify marriage date if needed for New Spouse Income. This was EFFECTIVE 12/1/18. In MSA adds for all applicants & recipients, verify eligibility for special needs payments, if the client appears to be eligible.
05/2017	in MSA adds cross-references.
04/2017	in MFIP clarifies throughout when to verify school attendance. Changes "exceptions" to "exemptions". Adds to verify the amountof and exemptions to the housing subsidy. In MSA and GA adds and deletes information throughout.
03/2017	in MFIP deletes reference to the Guide to Non-citizen Eligibility for Cash, SNAP and Child Care Assistance (DHS-4864) because this guide has been removed from eDocs.
12/2016	in MFIP under VERIFY THE FOLLOWING AT RECERTIFICATION deletes 2nd bullet to verify Self-employment expenses used as a deduction as this is no longer accurate. This change was EFFECTIVE 02/01/16.
10/2016	updates section due to Legislative changes for Program Uniformity/Assets.
08/2015	in GRH adds new verification requirements for recipients of GRH Supplemental Service rate and for residents of Supportive Housing settings for people who were long-term homeless. This change is due to legislative changes and WAS EFFECTIVE 07/01/15.
12/2014	Removed WB. This program was suspended 12/1/14.
08/2014	in MFIP in the last paragraph in the next to last bullet updates the form title of Guide to Non-citizen Eligibility for Cash, SNAP and Child Care Assistance (DHS-4864). No policy was changed.

Report this page

Combined Manual

Combined Manual

MANDATORY VERIFICATIONS - CASH ASSISTANCE

Issue:
Email:
Comments: