SNAP Policy Update: How DTA can verify SSI and Social Security (RSDI) income for SNAP/cash clients while SSA fiddles with its data systems

At the SNAP Coalition meeting on Tuesday we heard from DTA that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is currently updating databases that DTA workers use to verify Social Security (also called RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The update will continue through January 2014. SSA updates its computer systems annually in December and January when there is a cost of living adjustment (COLA) to SSI and  RSDI benefits. This SSA systems updating can cause confusion for DTA workers, community partners and clients alike. Sometimes we see SNAP verification checklists asking for proof of SSI and RSDI. This should not be happening in most cases. The information below clarifies how DTA workers should be handling handle verification of SSI or RSDI income until the SSA data systems are back to normal. 

 

SDX is the "State Data Exchange" that states use to verify the amount of SSI income received. BENDEX is the "Benefit and Earnings Data Exchange" that states use to verify Social Security (RSDI) for clients who are retired, disabled, dependents or survivors of beneficiaries. The information provided by SSA is considered "verified upon receipt" and need not be reconfirmed by the client. Here's a useful link for all you policy wonks that describes various SSA data exchanges available to states including SDX and BENDEX:  https://www.ssa.gov/dataexchange/index.html

 

Due to the COLA that usually comes near the start of each calendar year, SSA needs to update the SDX and BENDEX databases. Until the update is finished, we were told that DTA staff cannot see proof of SSI and RSDI instantly in their computer system. Thus DTA staff need to take a few extra steps to verify the information. The rest of the year, SDX and BENDEX provide instant information to DTA. 

 

NO. DTA clients should not be asked for written proof of SSI or RSDI income just because the SSA data bases are being worked on. DTA Central office SNAP staff confirmed at the Coalition meeting that SNAP and cash workers are supposed to request "overnight confirmation" of SSI and RSDI income from SSA. This overnight request returns income information from SSA and is the alternative solution to verify income while the SSA databases are being updated. 

The only times clients should be asked for verification is if for some reason there a discrepancy in the income information provided by the client and SSA, or for some reason DTA can’t confirm any SSI or RSDI income through the overnight process. 

 

If at any point in the year you see clients being asked for written proof of SSI or RSDI verbally or on a verification checklist, please advise the DTA worker of the policy and please let us know. The more you know the inner workings of the system, the better you can advocate!  Thanks to Vicky Negus for drafting this e-alert.