N.J. Admin. Code § 10:69-3.3

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 10:69-3.3 - Sources of evidence regarding eligibility

(a) Applicants and beneficiaries are in all instances the primary source of information about themselves and their families. It is the responsibility of the agency to determine eligibility and, as necessary, to secure verification from secondary sources. Such verification information shall be limited to those facts that are essential to establish eligibility and shall be obtained only with the consent of the client. It shall be explained to the client that verification is necessary and lack of consent to obtain it shall make processing of the application eligibility impossible.

(b) The client's statements regarding his or her eligibility are evidence. For purposes of AFDC-related Medicaid, the client's statements must be consistent and certain facts must be documented. The applicant shall be informed that the CWA needs to document the facts regarding certain eligibility criteria and that this process shall include contacting collateral sources as necessary:

1. Public records are preferred evidence and investigation of these sources shall be exhausted before other sources are used.

2. Sources of collateral evidence to establish eligibility include, but are not limited to, the following: birth, death and marriage certificates, church records, immigration and naturalization papers, census records, school records, military service records, court records, employment records, records of public or private welfare agencies, voting records, medical records, personal records, tax records, and affidavits from knowledgeable persons.

(c) Only evidence to corroborate facts essential to eligibility shall be sought. In determining the relative validity of the sources of evidence in (b), the agency should bear in mind the type and source of document.

(d) Affidavits shall be used only when other sources have failed or have produced inconclusive data. Documentation obtained in this manner shall be taken under oath from a person who has factual knowledge of the relevant circumstances. The affidavit shall show the circumstances under which this person has known the applicant as well as the factual basis of his or her statements relating to the applicable eligibility requirements.

(e) While it is usually desirable to obtain evidence in written form, personal inspection of records by the agency personnel, where permission can be secured, is an acceptable practice and is often quicker and simpler. (See also 10:69-3.5.)

N.J. Admin. Code § 10:69-3.3

Amended by 49 N.J.R. 3729(a), effective 12/4/2017