Documentary Evidence
Documentary evidence is tangible confirmation of a household’s circumstances by a disinterested third party. Examples of documentary evidence include but are not limited to:
- wage stubs
- SDX data
- utility bills
Documentary Evidence is the preferred method of verification for TAFDC, EAEDC, and SNAP.
When determining if a verification is sufficient, you must be primarily concerned with how adequately the document or other verification proves the household's circumstances. If a client cannot provide verifications via documentary evidence, they must be informed about alternative forms of acceptable verification, including Collateral Contact and Self Declaration. You must never insist on one type of verification and exclude other reasonable sources. An alternate source of verification may be faster for the client to obtain, and allows the case to be processed more quickly.
In all cases, the method of verification is recorded in the case record. When the verification provided is an original document, a photocopy of the document must be made and sent to the Document Production Center (DPC) to become part of the permanent case record. The original must be returned to the client. If circumstances prevent the photocopying of a document and a copy is not available, you must record the source and date of the document, and the household must be permitted to keep any original documents.
Related Topics
Verifications Policy and Procedures (EAEDC)
Verifications Policy and Procedures (SNAP)
Verifications Policy and Procedures (TAFDC)
Last Update: May 20, 2026