(1) A consumer must complete the DSHS application for WCCC benefits and provide all required information to DSHS to determine eligibility when:
(a) The consumer initially applies for benefits; or
(b) The consumer reapplies for benefits.
(2) A consumer must provide verification to DSHS to determine if he or she continues to qualify for benefits during his or her eligibility period when there is a change of circumstances under WAC
170-290-0031.
(3) All verification that is provided to DSHS must:
(a) Clearly relate to the information DSHS is requesting;
(b) Be from a reliable source; and
(c) Be accurate, complete, and consistent.
(4) If DSHS has reasonable cause to believe that the information is inconsistent, conflicting or outdated, DSHS may:
(a) Ask the consumer to provide DSHS with more verification or provide a collateral contact (a "collateral contact" is a statement from someone outside of the consumer's residence that knows the consumer's situation); or
(b) Send an investigator from the DSHS office of fraud and accountability (OFA) to make an unannounced visit to the consumer's home to verify the consumer's circumstances. See WAC
170-290-0025(9).
(5) The verification that the consumer gives to DSHS includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(a) A current WorkFirst IRP for consumers receiving TANF;
(b) Employer name, address, and phone number;
(c) State business registration and license, if self-employed;
(d) Work, school, or training schedule (when requesting child care for non-TANF activities);
(e) Hourly wage or salary;
(f) Either the:
(i) Gross income for the last three months;
(ii) Federal income tax return for the preceding calendar year; or
(iii) DSHS employment verification form;
(g) Monthly unearned income the consumer receives, such as child support or supplemental security income (SSI) benefits;
(h) If the other parent is in the household, the same information for them;
(i) Proof that the child belongs to one of the following groups as defined in WAC
388-424-0001:
(i) A U.S. citizen;
(ii) A U.S. national;
(iii) A qualified alien; or
(iv) A nonqualified alien who meets the Washington state residency requirements as listed in WAC
388-468-0005;
(j) Name and phone number of the licensed child care provider; and
(k) For the in-home/relative child care provider, a:
(i) Completed and signed criminal background check form;
(ii) Legible copy of the proposed provider's photo identification, such as a driver's license, Washington state identification, or passport;
(iii) Legible copy of the proposed providers' valid Social Security card; and
(iv) All other information required by WAC
170-290-0135.
(6) If DSHS requires verification from a consumer that costs money, DSHS must pay for the consumer's reasonable costs.
(7) DSHS does not pay for a self-employed consumer's state business registration or license, which is a cost of doing business.
(8) If a consumer does not provide all of the verification requested, DSHS will determine if a consumer is eligible based on the information already available to DSHS.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.215 RCW. 12-21-008, § 170-290-0012, filed 10/5/12, effective 11/5/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.215.070, 43.215.060 and chapter 43.215 RCW. 12-11-025, § 170-290-0012, filed 5/8/12, effective 6/8/12. Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.215 RCW, RCW 43.215.060, 43.215.070, 2011 1st sp.s. c 42, 2011 1st sp.s. c 50, and 2006 c 265 § 501. 11-18-001, § 170-290-0012, filed 8/24/11, effective 9/24/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.215.060, 43.215.070, 2006 c 265, and chapter 43.215 RCW. 09-22-043, § 170-290-0012, filed 10/28/09, effective 12/1/09. 08-08-047, recodified as § 170-290-0012, filed 3/27/08, effective 3/27/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.12.340, 74.13.085, and 2003 1st sp.s. c 25. 04-08-021 and 04-08-134, § 388-290-0012, filed 3/29/04 and 4/7/04, effective 5/28/04.]