Department of Social Services
Family Support Division
PO Box 2320
Jefferson City, Missouri
TO: ALL FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICES
FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: COVID-19 VERIFICATION FOR FOOD STAMPS (FS), TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE (TA), AND CHILD CARE (CC)
Originally posted March 27, 2020; revised April 1, 2020 to include the note highlighted below.
DISCUSSION:
During the COVID-19 health emergency, staff should be flexible while working with participants to obtain verification. Participants may have limited resources during this time making it challenging to obtain requested verification.
It may be difficult for the participant and/or Family Support Division (FSD) staff to obtain verification from outside sources for a variety of COVID-19 related reasons including temporary or permanent business closures. Staff should continue to request verification when required by policy. If the participant is not able to obtain the requested verification, determine if their statement of income, job loss, reduced hours, etc. is reasonable. Accept client statement if determined to be reasonable and make a comment in the eligibility system referencing COVID-19.
Note: Staff should enter Collateral Contact (CC) when client statement has been accepted to prevent the Food Stamp application from pending for verification.
Example 1: Mr. B applied for FS and CC on 3/20/20. During the FS interview he states that the family restaurant where he was employed has closed because COVID-19 has caused a lack of business. He states he received his final pay check on 3/15/20 which is his only March pay check as he is paid on the 15th and last day of the month. Staff request verification of the restaurant closing and his final pay stub. Mr. B provides his final pay stub but states no one is answering the phone at his former employer. It is reasonable that the business has closed and client statement of the closing is acceptable. Staff must reference COVID-19 in all income comments.
Example 2: Ms. J has an active TA and FS case. She reports that her employer, the Star Casino, closed on 3/17/20 and she has been terminated. It is common knowledge that casinos statewide were ordered to be closed at midnight on 3/17/20 and therefore is not necessary to request verification of job termination. Accept client statement and reference COVID-19 in the comment.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
KE/rw