Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 702.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: Eligibility Process › Section 702.340 - Methods of Verification

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The acceptable sources of verification are detailed in the
				sections of 106 CMR where the eligibility requirement is stated. The method of
				verification differs depending upon the nature of the information.
If one method of verification is preferred to another, the
				preferred method is stated.
Methods of Verification include original documents, collateral
				contacts, self-declarations, and worker observation.
(A)
Original
			 Documents
When the verification is an original document, a copy of
			 the document must be made, if possible.
If circumstances prevent the copying of a document and another
				copy is not available, the worker shall record in the case record the date and
				source of the document, a summary of its contents and the date the summary was
				made. The applicant or client shall be permitted to keep the original
				document.
(B)
Collateral Contact
Collateral contact is verbal or
			 written confirmation of a household's circumstances by a third party, and it
			 may be used to verify certain types of information. The worker shall obtain
			 written consent from the applicant or client for each contact, except as
			 specified in
			 106
			 CMR 702.320. If the applicant or client
			 refuses to allow the Department to verify information by contacting a third
			 party, assistance shall be denied, terminated, or reduced unless the applicant
			 or client provides alternative verification.
The worker shall record the date on which the statement was
				made, the relevant information, the identification and position of the person
				making the statement, and a means of contacting that person in the future
				should it become necessary to support the applicant's or client's right of
				rebuttal at a hearing, if requested.
(C)
Self-declarations
A self-declaration is a written
			 statement of fact that may be given by the applicant or client or by a third
			 party who has firsthand knowledge of the circumstances of the applicant or
			 client. Applicants and clients who provide self-declarations must sign them
			 under the penalties of perjury. Self-declarations shall only be accepted as the
			 sole verification of categorical and financial eligibility, if third party
			 verification is not feasible.
When the applicant or client and the worker have taken all
				necessary steps to obtain through collateral contact the documentary evidence
				required by 106 CMR 703.00:
Transitional Cash Assistance Program:
				Nonfinancial Eligibility
and 704.00:
Transitional Cash
				Assistance Program: Financial Eligibility
and the original document is
				not available, a self-declaration may be accepted as verification of the
				following eligibility factors only: cash on hand, ownership of bank deposits,
				inaccessibility of joint bank accounts and securities, age, relationship,
				noncitizen status, Canadian-born Indian status, good cause for failure to
				cooperate with the Child Support Enforcement Division, good cause for refusing
				a
bona fide
offer of employment or training for employment,
				paternity, temporary absence and health insurance coverage.
The self-declaration shall be filed in the case
				record.