HAR §8-37-6. Verification of eligibility

(a) As used in this chapter, "verification" means confirmation of eligibility for free or reduced price benefits under the school lunch program. At a minimum, verification shall include confirmation of income eligibility. Verification shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the relevant federal program. Verification efforts shall not delay the initial approval of applications. An application shall be approved if it contains the minimum documentation required by the relevant federal program and meets the income eligibility criteria for free or reduced price benefits. (b) Households selected for verification shall be informed of the following: (1) They have been selected for verification; (2) They are required to submit the required verification information to confirm eligibility for free or reduced price benefits; (3) The types of information or documents acceptable to the department and the name and phone number of a school official who can assist in the verification effort; (4) They may submit proof of current eligibility for food stamp benefits in lieu of income information if they are participating in the food stamp program; and (5) Failure to cooperate with verification efforts will result in termination of benefits. (c) The verification effort shall be applied without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability. (d) The department shall reduce or terminate benefits if its verification efforts fail to confirm eligibility for free or reduced price benefits or the household fails to cooperate with the department's verification efforts. (e) The household shall be notified in writing of the reduction or termination of benefits ten days prior to the actual reduction or termination of benefits. The day the notice is sent shall be the first day of the notice period. The notice shall advise the household of: (1) The change; (2) The reasons for the change; (3) The right to appeal and that the appeal must be filed within the ten day advance notice period to ensure continued benefits while awaiting a hearing and decision; (4) How to appeal; and (5) The right to reapply at any time during the school year. [Eff. 11/28/83; am, comp and ren §8-37-3.3 8/28/95; am and comp 6/15/09] (Auth: HRS §302A-1112) (Imp: HRS §§302A-1112; 42 U.S.C. 1772, l773, 1779, 7 C.F.R. 245; 43 U.S.C.1751-60, 7 C.F.R. 245)