This item helps the claimant understand the importance of their reporting responsibilities. It informs the claimant that we will check statements and compare records with other agencies and financial institutions.

1. 1. 

   Provide an explanation to all claimants.

2. 2. 

   Emphasize the importance of promptly reporting any changes since they often affect eligibility and payment amount. For example, a delay in reporting may result in an overpayment requiring repayment.

3. 3. 

   Point out that the claimant must also report any changes in the income and resources of the deemor if we deem income and resources to the claimant.

4. 4. 

   Explain that failure to report events or facts affecting eligibility or payment may constitute a crime under Federal or State law or both. For information regarding penalties, see SI 02301.100 Assessing Penalties and GN 04105.015 Administrative Penalties.

1. 1. 

   Provide an explanation to all claimants of what comparing records and computer matching means.

2. 2. 

   Point out that we will check the claimant’s statements using computer-matching programs by comparing our records to those of other agencies including the Internal Revenue Service and we may check financial institution records.