If, after at least one follow-up attempt, the household responds and provides all needed evidence, verification is considered complete for this household.
The SFA would complete verification by:
- Informing the household that there is no change in benefits;
- Notifying the household that its benefits will be increased; or
- Sending notice of adverse action
It is recommended that SFAs use the NYSED prototype letters of verification results (Attachments C, D & E) as these prototype letters contain all required information.
- If verification results in higher benefits (e.g., a child who is moved from reduced price to free category), the change is effective immediately and must be implemented no later than 3 operating days.
- All households for whom benefits are to be reduced or terminated as a result of verification must be given 10 calendar days advance written notice of the change.
Note: If a family’s benefits are reduced as a result of verification (e.g., because they failed to respond or did not submit sufficient information to substantiate their income) and during the school year the family re-applies, the SFA must verify the new application prior to the family being approved for benefits. If the family refuses to provide the required information, free or reduced-price benefits must be denied.