What if I am having trouble getting all the proofs, or the proofs get to DTA late?

There are important DTA rules about verifications that you should know, especially if you are having trouble getting proofs or if you think DTA is asking for too many proofs.

Self-declaration

You can self-declare number of food stamp/SNAP eligibility factors unless DTA determines that the information you provided is "questionable" (see below). A self-declaration includes any signed and dated communication from the head of household, including information you write on your application or recertification form, your change report form, or a separate statement. Appendix C: DTA Collateral Contact Form has two sample self-declaration forms for dependent care and shelter.

The following can be self-declared:

• Identity of other household members aside from the head of household, who must verify identity,
• Household living situation (e.g. that you purchase and prepare food separately from others)
• U.S. citizenship,
• Age, or date of birth,
• Shelter expenses (rent, homeownership, utility costs),
• Dependent care expenses (child care or adult care),
• Sources of non-countable income, including loans,
• All information needed for expedited food stamp/SNAP benefits, except identity (see Can I get emergency SNPA/food stamp benefits?).

106 C.M.R. §§ 361.610(A), (K); 361.800, 363.210(D), 364.450(D).

Alternate proofs

DTA must accept any documents that reasonably prove your eligibility. You do not have to give a specific kind of document or proof. 106 C.M.R. § 361.640. Some eligibility factors can be verified through a wide range of documents, such as your identity, where you live (your address), your age or date of birth (if required). DTA cannot demand a specific document such as a birth certificate for identity, or statement from a landlord for residence..

Questionable information

Under some circumstances, DTA can ask for additional proofs if DTA determines the information or documents you provided is "questionable." 106 C.M.R. § 361.620. "Questionable" means the information inconsistent with other information on your application, information you reported to your worker or known to DTA (e.g. through database checks). DTA must review the individual circumstances of a household before determining information is questionable.

Example

Clara Jones has been unemployed for a year and has no income when she applies for SNAP/food stamps. She claims rental costs of $850 per month. Clara reports she has been borrowing money from friends as well as run up debt on her credit card. This information is not "questionable" and she should not need to provide additional verifications.

Your worker cannot make up a reason to reject the proofs you brought in. The worker must document in your case record the reasons for rejecting a proof. 106 C.M.R. § 361.660. If you think you have given DTA enough proof, or if you think your DTA worker is unreasonably requiring a specific type of proof, ask to speak to a supervisor or contact a legal advocate.

DTA worker assistance and collateral contact

DTA workers are supposed to help you get proofs you need if you tell DTA you are having difficulty, including offering to do a "collateral contact" with a third party. For example, if you need a document from another state, from an employer or proof of a disability, your DTA worker must help you. If you have a disability that makes it hard for you to get proofs or comply with other DTA rules, your worker must make a reasonable accommodation for you. See What if a disability makes it hard for me to apply, get proofs, or comply with the SNAP/food stamp rules?.

"Collateral contact" is where you give your DTA worker permission to call other agencies or persons to verify information. 106 C.M.R. §§ 361.640(B). Appendix C: Important Advocacy Forms has a sample of DTA's collateral contact form. It is up to you to give your worker the names of people to contact, and to sign a collateral contact form giving DTA permission. Allowing DTA contact a third party is voluntary. Also, DTA cannot require proof from a particular person if you can verify the information in a different way. Your privacy is important and must be respected. 106 C.M.R. § 360.400.

You cannot be denied SNAP/food stamps just because you are having trouble getting proofs, but you can be denied if you refuse to cooperate with getting the proofs or refuse to be interviewed, or you do not meet the other eligibility rules. 106 C.M.R. §§ 361.400 and 361.650.

Reopening an application denied for lack of proofs

DTA is required to send you a notice of pending status. 106 C.M.R. § 361.930. The notice should list the specific proofs or verifications missing and tell you that you have another 30 days (for a total of 60 days from the date you first applied) to bring in these proofs and have your case opened back to the date you first applied and met the eligibility requirements. You do not need to sign a new application. If you think DTA is taking too long to reopen your case, contact an advocate.

If you get a notice telling you that your SNAP/food stamp application was denied for lack of proofs— DTA will reopen your application if you get the missing proofs to DTA within this second 30-day period.

Reopening an application denied more than 30 days ago

Suppose DTA denied your application and for some reason you did not get the missing proofs in during the second 30-day period following the denial. You should first file a new application for benefits so you can get on SNAP/food stamps quickly. But you also have the right to appeal the denial notice to get back benefits to the date you first applied.

If you file an appeal within 90 days of the date of the notice and bring the missing proofs to the hearing, the hearings officer is required by law to accept these proofs under the de novo review rules and approve benefits, assuming you were otherwise eligible. 106 C.M.R. § 343.500(A). You do not need to have a good cause reason for failing to provide the proofs initially. You simply have a right to present the missing proofs at or before the hearing and claim the back benefits. See If I have the proof my worker wanted, should I still go to the hearing?

Additional Policy Guidance on Verifications