What Type of Proof Does the Food Stamp Office Need?
The food stamp office may ask an applicant for proof or “verification” of some of the facts about the household. An applicant may not be denied food stamps because the applicant “fails” to cooperate but may be denied if the applicant “refuses” to cooperate. If the applicant cannot give verification on paper, the food stamp office may talk to a non-household member who can confirm the applicant’s information. The food stamp office may use a home visit as verification only when the documentary evidence is insufficient to make a firm determination of eligibility or benefit level, or the documentary evidence cannot be obtained, and the home visit is scheduled in advance with the household./18/ The food stamp rules require applicants to give the food stamp worker proof of the following items:/19/ • income and its source; • immigration status of anyone in the household who is applying for food stamps (nonapplicants do not have to disclose their immigration status);/20/ • social security numb
