The household has primary responsibility for providing proof (documentary evidence) to support statements on the application and to resolve any questionable information. The household's statements about their circumstances is not required verification in most instances. 7 CFR § 273.2(f)(5)(i)
A person can give written evidence to the CAO by mail, by fax, by e-mail, or through an authorized representative. 7 CFR § 273.2(f)(5)(ii)
The household may substitute a collateral contact for written evidence. The household is responsible for naming the collateral contact. The CAO must provide help if it is needed.
A household interviewed by phone is not exempt from verification requirements. The household must provide the required verification or name collateral contacts who can verify its statements. The CAO must not require a member of the household to come to the CAO to provide verification.
A household that refuses to provide required verification or fails to respond to a CAO request for verification without good cause is ineligible or does not receive the deduction, until the verification is provided. 7 CFR § 273.2(d)(1)
For applicants, benefits are denied or authorized without the deduction.
For recipients, benefits are terminated following timely notice or are adjusted without the deduction.
A household is required as a condition of eligibility to sign the Addendum to Application for Benefits (AAB) with the SNAP application and renewal forms.
NOTE: AAB language has been incorporated into the COMPASS rights and responsibilities section.
Administrative Notice 6-99, issued January 4, 1999
Reissued March 1, 2012 , replacing October 31, 2008