Document the file per GN 00301.285 through GN 00301.289 that the source of the cash is a governmental medical or social services program.
Obtain evidence from the individual that the source of the cash is a governmental
medical or social services program (e.g., program identification card, notice, or
award letter). If the individual has no evidence available, contact the agency or
organization alleged to be providing the cash and verify it is the source of the cash.
However, if the field office has established that the program's fundamental purpose
is medical or social services through a precedent, regional supplement, etc., and
the program agency or organization furnishes little or no documentary evidence to
the claimant, then it is not necessary to contact the agency or organization. In these
circumstances, obtain the individual's statement either signed or recorded on the
Report of Contact page indicating the source and amount of payments or in-kind items.
When it is not obvious that the governmental program is a medical or social services
program (e.g., when medical and/or social services are provided in conjunction with
other assistance or unrelated activities), look to the stated fundamental purpose
of the program which is the direct provider of the cash as stated in its authorizing
law, statute, or ordinance. (For the purposes of this section, an intervening vendor
is not considered the direct provider of the cash.) If the fundamental purpose of
the governmental program is to provide medical or social service assistance, the cash
is not income.
If you are unable to determine the fundamental purpose of the governmental program
(e.g., the authorizing statute provides more than one purpose, one of which is not
medical or social services, and it does not identify which one is the fundamental
purpose), make your determination based on the particular case facts and circumstances
involved. If unable to make such a determination, refer the case facts to the Assistance
Programs Branch for a decision.