Optional Verifications

For all programs, certain verification items are optional, meaning they are not required to establish eligibility, but if verified, may result in a higher benefit amount.  To receive credit for these expenses, verification must be provided. If an expense is claimed but it is not verified, the case must be processed without giving credit for the unverified optional verification. Applications and recertifications must not be denied or closed for failure to provide verifications if the only missing verification(s) is optional. 

The most common optional verifications include:

  • medical expenses (for elderly/disabled SNAP household members only.  Verification of the actual
  • expenses incurred must be provided to receive a deduction for this expense)
  • utility expenses (may be self-declared, unless questionable)
  • shelter expenses (may be self-declared, unless questionable)
  • dependent care expenses (may be self-declared, unless questionable)
  • child support payments (proof of payment and proof of legal obligation are required to receive a deduction for this expense. The child receiving payments must be residing in another household to receive credit for this expense)

Please see the chart below for information about optional verifications for each program DTA administers.  This chart is intended only as a guide.  

O =  Optional

Item SNAP TAFDC EAEDC Notes
School/Training Enrollment O O O  
Business Expenses O O O  
EAEDC Medical Provider Statement O* n/a O* *Optional for noncitizen SNAP eligibility for EAEDC noncitizen 65 or older
Garnishments from Income O O O  
Dependent Care Costs O* O* O* *Verification should be Self-Declared, unless questionable.
Housing Costs O* O* O* *Verification should be Self-Declared, unless questionable.
Utility Cost O* O* O* *Verification should be Self-Declared, unless questionable.
Item SNAP TAFDC EAEDC Notes
Assisting Person Information O O O  
Release of Information O O O  
Request for Heightened Level of Security O O O  
Removal of Heightened Level of Security O O O  
Proof of Federal Certified Disability O O    
Child Support Legal Obligation O O    
Child Support Payments O O    
Information so DTA can pay your rent and/or utility bill from your cash benefits Electronic Disqualified Recipient System   O O  
TAFDC Verification of Caring for Disabled   O    
Good Cause for Not Cooperating with Child Support   O    
Request for an Extension of Time Limited Benefits   O    
Item SNAP TAFDC EAEDC Notes
PBJS Initial Job Search log   O    
Pregnancy O      
Proof from Social Security Eligibility for disability benefits O      
Medical Costs O      
Past Due Housing Costs O      
Past Due Utility Costs O      
Request for Replacement SNAP Benefits O      
Exemption from SNAP ABAWD Work Rules O      
Past Exemption from SNAP ABAWD Work Rules O      
SNAP ABAWD Work Rules Participation O      
Good Cause for Not Meeting the SNAP ABAWD Work Rules O      
SNAP General Work Rules Exemption O      
Request for Deduction from EBT Account O O O  
Request for a Replacement Check n/a O O  

Related Topics

Verifications Policy and Procedures (EAEDC)

Verifications Policy and Procedures (TAFDC)

Last Update: April 16, 2025