WAG 02-07-02-b.
A third party verification is one the applicant must get from someone else. A person who applies on behalf of another person, or who is approved to represent them, is not a third party.
If the applicant is having trouble getting third party verification, do whatever is needed to help them get it. This includes such things as the eligibility worker sending a written request to the third party, attempting telephone contact with the third party, and giving the applicant a letter to show to the third party that says why the applicant needs the information.
If a TANF applicant claims to have experienced, be experiencing or fear experiencing domestic or sexual violence, obtain the applicant's written consent before contacting a third party. Do not contact a person named as the abuser or perpetrator, the abuser or perpetrator's family or employer, or any other person who the client names as unsafe without the client's written permission. Work with the applicant to identify safe verification sources. If no safe verification sources can be identified, contact the Bureau of Policy Development for guidance.
If the applicant is missing a needed verification (whether a third party verification or not), make sure you refer to WAG 02-07-03 for all available alternative sources which may be used to obtain the information. Other forms of verification not listed in WAG 02-07-03 may be accepted if the information received is consistent with the client's claim.
If an applicant received benefits from another state, phone that state and find out the amount of the last cash benefits and the date of cancellation. Send a letter to the other state to confirm the information.
Allow more time if the applicant does not provide a copy of the written request for third party verification by the due date on the 2nd request form, the one issued by the eligibility worker, and asks for more time to provide it. Give the applicant a 3rd notice which allows 10 more calendar days. This 10-day period starts with the due date for the 2nd written notice. Deny the case if the additional time period passes and the applicant has not provided a copy of the written request for third party verification.
If the client provides a copy of the written request for third party verification by the due date, or the Family Community Resource Center has requested information from the third party, take the following action:
Missing Nonfinancial Verification (TANF)
If the client meets financial factors of eligibility and a written request for third party verification is documented, approve the case as presumptively eligible (PE) (see PM 17-02-01-b).
Missing Financial Factors (TANF) or Missing Financial or Nonfinancial Factors (Parent Assist, All Kids Assist, Moms and Babies, AABD, LTC)
Grant an extension of time to get the missing verification. If the Family Community Resource Center has a copy of the written request sent to the third party, grant the extension even if the applicant did not ask for one.
The extension of time may be for up to 90 calendar days from the application date. If the 90th day is not a workday,allow the applicant until the next workday following the 90th day. Hold the application and do not make a decision during the extension period.
Issue a notice to the applicant that lists the missing verification and gives the last day of the extension. The notice must tell the applicant to contact the Family Community Resource Center if they cannot provide the missing verification by the last day.
If the missing verification is received by the end of the 90th day, determine eligibility for benefits. If eligible, approve the application as if the verification was received by the 30th day following application.
If the applicant contacts the Family Community Resource Center by the 90th day to say that the verification is not obtainable and the Family Community Resource Center has been unable to get the information, contact the Bureau of Financial Support Policy.
If the applicant does not contact the Family Community Resource Center by the end of the 90th day and the missing verification has not been received, take the following action:
- AABD Applicants - Deny the application on the day following the last day of the extension.
For Nursing Facility (NF), Supported Living Program (SLP) and Department on Aging (DoA) Community Care Program (CCP) Applicants and Clients:
For persons residing in a facility, always send a copy of HFS 267LTC to the facility.
The nursing facility or supported living program facility does not need to be authorized as an approved representative to receive a copy of the 267LTC.
When the person requests more time to obtain requested verifications, grant a 30 day extension. A second 30 day extension may be granted, upon request, if needed.
Whenever an extension is granted send HFS 267LTC to the applicant/client and a copy to the facility where the person lives, if applicable.
- TANF Applicants - If the missing financial information applies to a person who must be included in the TANF filing unit, deny the application. If the information is for a person who is not required to be in the TANF filing unit and the remaining unit members are eligible, approve cash benefits without including the person. If the missing financial information is unattainable due to domestic or sexual violence, contact the Bureau of Policy Development for guidance.
- FamilyCare Assist, All Kids Assist, Moms and Babies - Approve benefits for any unit members who are eligible. Do not include the person to whom the missing information applies. Consider the income of responsible relatives. If eligibility cannot be determined for anyone, deny the application.
