Hotline Focus 06/10

Q. Is a birth certificate a required document for SNAP eligibility?
A. A birth certificate is only one of many types of verification sources that can be used to document
SNAP eligibility requirements. For example, when establishing identity, remember that any document
that reasonably establishes identity must be accepted, and no requirement for a specific type of
document may be imposed. See 106 CMR 361.610 for more information on verifying identity in
SNAP. In addition, see 106 CMR 361.640 for more general information on the different types of
acceptable verification sources in SNAP and 106 CMR 361.650 on responsibilities for obtaining
verifications, including offering assistance to households in obtaining verifications.

Q. Is a birth certificate a required document for EAEDC and TAFDC eligibility?
A. While the birth certificate is a preferred method for verifying relationship in TAFDC, it is only one of
many other acceptable forms of verification. See 106 CMR 203.585 for more information. In
addition, see 106 CMR 702.340 for more general information on the different methods of verifying
required eligibility factors in the TAFDC and EAEDC programs; these include original documents,
collateral contacts and self-declarations. Also, see 106 CMR 702.310 for responsibilities for obtaining
verifications, including offering assistance when an applicant or client is unable to obtain the required
verifications.