Verification

Student income and exemptions must be verified as described in this section.

Income

Income verification must include all of the following:

  • Amount
  • Source
  • Period the income is meant to cover.

Income may be verified by a:

  • Financial aid award letter from the school/grantor, or
  • “Student Income Verification Request” (CSF 50) completed by the school.

Exempt Expenses

Exempt educational expenses on the Standard Student Budget must be verified by one of the following:

  • A “Student Income Verification Request” (CSF 50) completed by the school, or
  • A copy of the educational institution's “Standard Student Budget” with information to identify the specific budget category used for the student (such as “living at home” versus “away from home”).

The format of the Standard Student Budget will vary by educational facility. As long as the Financial Aid Department of the institution provides written documentation/verification of the necessary amounts, the EW shall accept this and make the appropriate budget computation.

Additionally, specific amounts earmarked by the grantor for an exempt expense must be verified by:

  • A letter from the grantor, or
  • The CSF 50.

Dependent Care Deduction

A dependent care deduction for school-related expenses (that is, care provided for a dependent while the student is at school) must be verified only when the actual cost is used to compute the deduction. [Refer to “Dependent Care,” page 6-6] for information on how to verify dependent care.]

Physically or Mentally Unfit

Verify that a household member is physically or mentally unfit for employment only if:

  • The student has not already provided verification of a disability,
  • The lack of fitness for employment is not evident.

Appropriate verification may consist of receipt of temporary or permanent disability benefits issued by governmental or private sources, or of a statement from any medical or mental health professional, including but not limited to a physician, nurse, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Other professionals who assist clients in case management or other services, such as a Behavioral Health Case Manager or Regional Center Case Manager, may also verify.

 

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