Verification Requirements for Updating a Client’s Name and Gender in eCIS, PFS-19353-520 (July 11, 2019)
The individual completing the application must verify their identity. If an AR applies for the household, the CAO must verify the identity of both the AR and the payment name.
Identity may be verified by readily available documents or by collateral contact. The CAO must accept any document that reasonably proves identity. No specific type of document, such as a birth certificate, is required.
NOTE: The CAO will enter into eCIS the gender that is specified on identity verification.
The CAO must record in the Client Information System (eCIS) how the individual verified their identity. Acceptable verification may include, but is not limited to, the following:
Birth certificate.
NOTE: Birth certificates issued from Puerto Rico prior to July 1, 2010 are no longer acceptable and the CAO must assist any household in exploring and obtaining alternative sources of identity verification.
Social Security card.
Driver’s license.
Pay stubs.
Selective Service card.
Voter registration card.
Student identification card.
Employee identification card.
Library card.
Passport.
Mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.
State ID issued in place of a driver’s license.
ID issued by a public housing authority.
ID issued by a social welfare agency.
Photo ID previously issued by a public welfare agency.
Contact with a third party who can identify the client.
Reissued March 18, 2026, replacing March 1, 2012