S.588: Income Verification Act
Overview
The Income Verification Act requires states to use Federal tax return data to verify income eligibility for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants.
The Social Security Act currently directs states to request and utilize wage and income information from employers or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) “to the extent that such information may be useful in verifying eligibility” for TANF, Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs. In addition, state agencies that administer TANF, Medicaid, SNAP, and more are required to exchange information with each other that would be useful in establishing or verifying eligibility.
H.R. 1495 is the House companion bill
View Full OverviewTalking Points
- Imposing additional requirements on eligibility verification for TANF, SNAP, and Medicaid can increase the length of time it takes for an applicant to be verified.
- The National Assembly opposes legislation that would reduce access to programs that ensure the well-being of every individual. All communities benefit when families have access to programs that allow them to reach their full potential.