What if the client is requested to pay for income verification?

The client’s employer charges the client each time she has to provide income verification for her benefits. What action is acceptable in this situation for her SNAP benefits?

The key question is whether the employer could fairly be characterized as being,”… regulated by federal or state law.” For this, we would reference statute 56 O.S. §
167.1, which says:“The Department of Human Services, with the consent of the client, may request a copy of the financial records or any other records specified in said written consent from a financial institution or other agency regulated by federal or state law. The request shall be for the purpose of investigating the eligibility of the client for assistance or service from the Department. Said financial institution or agency shall furnish said records at no cost to the client or the Department. If the client refuses to sign said written consent, then the Department shall refuse the client assistance or service.”If the employed does not fall under this statute and they refuse to release verification without the client paying for it, we would take the client’s statement as best available and document FACS case notes accordingly. Please make sure that we remind the client to keep check stubs, as those will be needed at each review and reapplication.

An ADM-94 can be used for the employer to provide income verification.

Please ensure we are using First Contact Resolution in providing services. For assistance in First Contact Resolution processes, please see:
Verification Guide