18 Miss. Code. R. 28-5.7 - Eligibility Documentation

Applicants must verify eligibility through the submission of documents. When possible, MDHS and/or the subgrantee will access other documentary evidence in available data bases. However, proof of eligibility requirements is the applicant's responsibility. A document may serve to prove more than one requirement and should not be submitted more than once. The following is a list of acceptable proof for each requirement:

A. Social Security Cards are required for all household members. For newborns (less than 8 weeks old) who do not have a Social Security card, the application can be processed without adding the child but count any income for the child in determining household income. Effective January 1, 2019, subgrantees shall no longer keep copies of Social Security cards and Personal Identifiable Information (PII) documentation in client files. These documents must be scanned into the Virtual ROMA system only and given back to the client.

B. Photo Identification Documentation

1) A photo I.D. is required for all household members 18 years of age and over. Acceptable documents include, but are not limited to:

a. Driver's license

b. State-issued l.D.

c. U.S. Passport

d. U.S. Military I.D.

e. Employment I.D.

f. College/School I.D.

g. Tribal I.D.

h. Alien: Photo I.D. plus Alien Registration/Permanent Resident Card

i. Temporary Resident Card

j. Voter Registration LD. with photo

2) If the photo I.D. is expired, the applicant shall not be denied services. Subgrantce should work with the applicant through case management or referral to obtain a valid I.D.

3) For elderly/disabled homebound clients, the photo I.D. can be expired. Please do not take pictures and do not deny the client if a photo I.D. is not available. Caseworkers should update notes to include the visit and state that some form of I.D. was secured. This can be used as a substitute for the required document scan of the photo I.D.

C. Bill to be Paid

1) Applicant must present the bill to be paid.

2) The bill(s) must be in the name of the head of household or spouse.

3) If the bill is in the name of a deceased, incarcerated, divorced, or estranged spouse; subgrantee can pay the bill for the initial application. Subgrantee shall assist the applicant with getting the bill changed into his/her name before any subsequent bills can be paid. In the case of a deceased spouse, the surviving spouse can request the vendor to put "in care of' for subsequent bills.

4) If the bill is in the landlord's name and the applicant is responsible for paying the bill directly to a vendor, documentation is needed to verify the tenant's living status. This documentation can be a notarized statement from the landlord or a copy of the lease agreement stating the arrangement. The landlord cannot request services on behalf of tenant/clicnt.

5) The bill cannot be paid if it is in the name of a child (under 18), even if the child lives in the household. The applicant is responsible for paying that bill, and the subgrantee can subsequently assist applicant with getting the bill changed into his/her name by advocating with the energy vendor.

6) Other miscellaneous charges on the bill cannot be paid, such as tampering fees.

7) If a household uses part of the residence for self-employment or work-at-home, a prorated bill for residential use must be provided. Only the amount of the residential portion can be paid from CSBG funds.

Notes

18 Miss. Code. R. 28-5.7

Miss. Code Ann. § 43-1-2(4); Miss. Code Ann. § 43-1-4 Revised: May 2022

Adopted 9/18/2022