(a) Prior to awarding public assistance, applicants for benefits must complete a computerized identity authentication process to confirm the identity of the applicant. This shall be done with a knowledge-based questionnaire consisting of financial and/or personal questions. The questionnaire must contain questions tailored to assist persons without a bank account or those who have poor access to financial and banking services or who do not have an established credit history. The questionnaire may be submitted online, in-person, or via telephone.
(b) The department shall submit a report to the Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Resources Accountability regarding the feasibility of implementing the photo EBT card option under 7 U.S.C. § 2016(h)(9). The study shall address certain operational issues to ensure that state implementation would be consistent with all federal requirements, and that program access is protected for participating households, including, but not limited to, allowing the recipient to designate permitted users for purposes of utilizing the photo EBT card.
Structure West Virginia Code
Article 8. Eligibility and Fraud Requirements for Public Assistance
§9-8-3. Income and Identity Verification
§9-8-4. Eligibility Verification
§9-8-5. Identity Authentication
§9-8-7. Notice and Right to Be Heard
§9-8-8. Referrals for Fraud, Misrepresentation or Inadequate Documentation
§9-8-9. Reporting to the Governor and Legislature
§9-8-10. Prohibitions on Use of Electronic Benefit Transfer Cards