Verification is confirmation of eligibility for free and reduced-price meals under the NSLP and SBP. Verification is only required when eligibility is determined through the application process, not through direct certification conducted with an Assistance Program or officials or agencies that documented Other Source Categorical Eligibility. Verification must include either confirmation of income eligibility or confirmation that the child or any member of the household is receiving assistance under SNAP, FDPIR, or TANF or that a child is Other Source Categorically Eligible. Verification may include confirmation of any other information required on the application, such as household size.

Steps to Verification

1. Disburse and process meal application (July 1 - October 1)

2. Apply for a sample method to complete verification.

3. Establish a sample pool of applications

• Determine total number of approved applications on file as of October 1.
• Pull required applications at random based on the sample method selected in Step 2.
• Start Verification Tracker Form for applications pulled.

4. Write a narrative of the application selection process; see a sample.

• Sample Verification narrative (PDF)

5. Provide selected applications to Confirming Official to confirm eligibility.

6. Notify households pulled for Verification.

7. Collect written evidence of income, collateral contacts, and /or agency records from households to support applications.

8. Notify the household of Verification results (by November 15).

9. Complete Verification results and complete (November 15-December 15)

10. Email report to ade.chnutverify@ade.arkansas.gov (Due December 15)