MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

Effective immediately, access to “The Work Number” website is restored. This memorandum addresses new procedures for using "The Work Number". The Intranet page for The Work Number (IM) is updated to include the new procedures and instructions.

HOW TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATIONS

There are two methods for obtaining employment verifications on "The Work Number" website. The first method is utilized when employment verification for an individual is needed from a known employer. Instructions for accessing employment verifications when the employer is known are provided in the Specific Employer Instructions on the FSD Intranet under The Work Number (IM).

The second method is utilized when employment verification for an individual is needed but the employer is not known. Instructions for accessing employment verifications when the employer is unknown are provided in the SSN Search Instructions on the FSD Intranet under The Work Number (IM).

NEW WEBSITE FEATURE

When a search for employment is completed using the SSN Search Instructions, the last pay date displays for each employer on the search results page. Users can view the last pay date on the search results page to determine if the individual was paid in the time period desired.

EXAMPLE: John Jones applied for Food Stamps on December 1, 2009. Mr. Jones states during the interview that he presently works for Casey's and has no income from any other employer in the last six months. However, he does not have income verification because he did not keep his pay stubs. The Eligibility Specialist (ES) accesses "The Work Number" using the Specific Employer Instructions to obtain the needed employment verification. The ES prints the employment verification for the case record and makes appropriate comments in FAMIS or the case record.

EXAMPLE: An ES received notification from an anonymous tip on November 30, 2009 that a participant is working but the place of employment is not known. The ES uses the SSN Search Instructions to determine if the new employment information is available on "The Work Number" website. The search results page displays two employers: Home Depot with a status of "no longer employed" and a last pay date of 09/1/09; and Lowe's with a status of "active" and a last pay date of 11/1/09. The ES prints the search results page for the case record. The ES reviews the case record and determines the Home Depot income was previously verified, but the Lowe's income was not. On the search results page, the ES checks the box for Lowe's to view the detailed information screen. The ES prints the employment verification for the case record and makes appropriate comments in FAMIS or the case record.

Print the search results page and/or the employment verification and place the printout in the case record. This reduces the number of times the information has to be re-accessed for case reviews, claims investigations, etc.

ACCESS TO “THE WORK NUMBER” WEBSITE

As a reminder, new staff must register for access using “The Work Number” Access Form. “The Work Number” Access Form and instructions for completion can be found on the FSD Intranet under The Work Number (IM). Users must submit “The Work Number” Access Form to make changes to their registration information, including location/fax changes and name changes. Supervisory staff must submit “The Work Number" Access Form to delete users who no longer need access to “The Work Number” website. Fax the completed “The Work Number” Access Forms to Central Office, IM Program and Policy Section at 573/526-5592. Keep the original form in the employee's personnel file at the local county office.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

GA