CalWORKs Eligibility Handbook - Human Services Agency of San ...

CalWORKs Handbook
3. Pursue the investigation with diligence through and including the
decision as to eligibility and authorization of payment when
eligibility is established.
C. Undertake the investigation with the full knowledge and consent of the
applicant. Obtain signed consent for release of financial and other
information.
D. Other sources of information are to be sought only when the applicant
does not have information and other evidence to support his application, or
when such information and evidence as he is able to give is contradictory,
inconsistent, or inconclusive. In such case, the investigation is to be
directed toward obtaining the most readily available reliable evidence for
determining eligibility and need.
E. If the applicant is reluctant or unwilling to help resolve inconsistencies or
questions concerning his eligibility, or to have the department pursue the
investigation on his behalf, his reasons are to be considered carefully with
him. Such consideration will help ensure mutual understanding of the facts
and demonstrate why further investigation is needed. It also will help
prevent the applicant from deciding unnecessarily or unwisely to withdraw
his application when he may be eligible.
III. Preferred Types of Evidence
Regulations require that investigation be directed towards obtaining evidence to
establish that the applicant meets each of the eligibility requirements and from
which the correct amount of aid can be determined. The preferred types of
evidence are as follows:
A. Public records or those made for the purpose of maintaining archives or
registers.
B. Original documents rather than copies
C. Documents and records in which there is little or no motive for
misstatement.
D. Records made contemporaneously with the event they record.
E. Statement of the parents or relatives, if consistent with other known
information.
IV. Sources of Evidence
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