SUBJECT:
VERIFICATION CODES IN FAMIS
DISCUSSION:
Acceptable verification codes for program elements have been aligned for the Temporary Assistance, Child Care, and Food Stamp Programs in FAMIS. The codes are stated in the attached Allowable FAMIS Verification Codes chart 
.
The programming applies the verification code that is entered to the rules for each program to determine if the verification obtained is acceptable for the individual programs. If an unacceptable standard of verification is entered for a program element (based on the rules for each program), FAMIS will create a PEND for the case until the worker enters an acceptable form of verification. Once the verification is updated, a new eligibility determination is completed to resolve the PEND action.
Example: CS is entered for verification on resources. A PEND is created for Temporary Assistance, but not for the Food Stamp or Child Care Programs.
It should be noted that just because a code is listed as an allowable verification code, it may not always be appropriate to use the verification code. For example, client statement (CS) is allowable for income for the Food Stamp and Child Care Programs. However, there are very specific and limited circumstances when CS can be used for income. The standard verification codes for income are hard copy (HC) and telephone contact (TC) to the employer. When verifying self-employment income, the primary method of verification is from the applicant or recipient’s previous year’s tax return and/or hardcopy records of jobs performed, income received, and related expenses.
For the Child Care Program telephone contact is used only when attempts to secure accurate hardcopy documentation is not available by the application due date.
Collateral contact (CC) and client statement (CS) verification may only be used to verify income in rare situations, when no other form of verification is available. For use of food stamp verification codes, refer to 1102.000.00 VERIFICATION.
Effective Monday, May 23, 2005, the system will not allow use of CS for identity. This is a change in interpretation of policy. Identity of the person making application shall be verified through readily available documents or reference contact. Acceptable documents include, but are not limited to a driver’s license, a work or school ID, ID for health benefits, ID for another assistance or social services program, a voter registration card, wage stubs, or a birth certificate. If you go to the waiting room and say the client’s name and they respond, this is not verification of identity.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.