WAG 02-07-03: Verification of Eligibility Factors

PM 02-07-03.

revised manual textThis section explains which eligibility factors the FCRC must verify and when and how to verify them. Use the sources listed in this section to verify eligibility when information conflicts with prior documentation in theNew Manual MaterialECR.

  • When getting necessary verifications from a customer:
    • Review any old case files to make sure that the verification needed is not already there. Try not to make unnecessary copies.
    • Only require verification when needed. Make sure the verification asked for is required.
    • Accept other forms of verification not listed in this section if the information agrees with the customer's statement and the listed sources are unavailable.
    • new manual textWhenever possible use electronic sources to verify information before asking the customer to provide it.
  • revised manual textSend, Request For Specific Case Guidance, (Form IL444-2150) to the Bureau of Policy Development when getting verifications causes an undue hardship to the customer and the Family Community Resource Center cannot get the information for them.
  • revised manual textThis may include verifications that the customer:
    • cannot pay the cost that would be incurred in getting the verification; or
    • would have to contact a spouse, ex-spouse, or father of a child whom they are afraid to contact; or
    • would have to contact an abuser or perpetrator of sexual violence, or the person's family or employer; or
    • cannot get, or try to get, because of their physical or mental condition; or
    • cannot get due to some other reason that makes it impossible to get. 
  • If persons, employers, or other agencies will not release information without the customer's consent, ask the customer to sign, Consent to Release of Information, (Form IL444-0034) if there is not a release statement on the request form. Ask the customer to sign, Authorization to Release Medical Records, (Form IL444-4701H) if medical information is needed. See WAG 20-28-00 for in-home care customers.
  • Clearly state on Form IL444-0034 the type of information needed, the purpose, the length of the consent (not to exceed 90 days) and the specific person, employer, or agency being authorized by the customer to give the requested information.  A review of public records does not require written consent to release information.
  • Use the following procedures to verify birth, marriage, divorce or death:
    • Use the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) query on the KIDS system to verify the birth of a child born in Illinois; or 
    • Use SOLQ to verify death; or
  • Contact the appropriate state agency for verification:
    • when a death cannot be verified by SOLQ; or
    • for the Illinois birth of an adult; or 
    • for an Illinois marriage or divorce; or
    • for an out of state birth, marriage or divorce. 

Note: A listing of appropriate agencies can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm.  Follow the instructions provided by the state.  If they charge a fee, contact the state agency and ask them to waive it.  If they will not waive the fee, contact DHS.PolicyDevelopment@illinois.gov.