We currently operate under an SSI criteria state, meaning verification of resources is not required if applicant is an SSI recipient. This is unless resources are new or questionable.

Money on hand or in a savings account is considered as a countable resource. Verification of resources held in bank accounts or other financial institutions may be established through an Asset Verification System (AVS).

Bank Accounts:

• Checking accounts may or may not represent savings. Current bank statements are evaluated with the member to establish what, if any, portion of the account represents savings. Any income which has been deposited during the current month is not considered unless it exceeds what is considered as ordinary maintenance expense for the month.
• Documentation should identify the account as belonging to the client.
• Accounts owned jointly with a person not receiving SoonerCare are considered available to the member in their entirety unless it can be established what part of the account actually belongs to each person and the money is separated and the joint account dissolved.
• If the account holder is listed as “payable on death” for an account, they only have access to the account after the account owner dies. The account isn’t an available resource as long as the original owner is alive.
• When joint account holders both receive SSI, consider each individual’s share of the account in determining her or her eligibility.
• Dedicated bank accounts established to receive and maintain retroactive SSI benefits for disabled/blind children up to the age of 18 years are exempt. The account must be set up and verification provided to SSA before the underpayment can be released. 317:35-5-41.9(21)
• At review, if customer produces the bank statement prior to the current month, we are able to accept this to verify resources. IE: customer completes MCR on 2/15/24 and produces a bank statement from 12/25/23, it can be used if that is all that the customer has provided. Ideally, we love having the most recent statement if accessible.

Per guidance from HRMS in Nov 2023, here is the guidance on how to use Asset Verification System (AVS) to verify bank account information. This guidance was given by email to staff using AFS Broadcast messaging.

Guidance:

• Short-term Medical Applications – During the interview, pull up AVS to see if an initial request has been made. If they are not located, then manually add the request with specific banking information.  When a case is placed in application status, the initial request for client is sent to AVS by the next working day.  Please reference and follow First Contact Resolution (FCR) steps/processes.
   Verification-Guide.pdf
• Long-term Medical Applications – Follow normal processes.

• Short-term Medical Reviews – Check AVS. If banking information is available in AVS, please proceed.  If banking information is unavailable, please use ad-hoc function in AVS and document in Case Notes.  Use client’s declaration as best available for banking information and balance and proceed with completing the review.  Mark review as complete, as no further actions are needed.
• Long-term Medical Reviews – Follow normal processes.