Revision 15-4; Effective October 1, 2015

TANF, TP 08 and TA 31

Advisors must verify the age and relationship of each child to the adult claiming the relationship before certifying or adding the child to the cash grant and/or before certifying the adult for Medicaid. Advisors use BVS inquiry for someone born in Texas and who is at least 46 days old but less than 19 years old.

See A-531, Verification Sources. If these verifications are not available, make an evaluative conclusion. See A-523.1, How to Make an Evaluative Conclusion.

Related Policy

Birth Verification System, C-860

A—531 Verification Sources

Revision 24-3; Effective July 1, 2024

TANF and Medical Programs

Verify the age and relationship requirements using the following verification sources.

Age

  • birth certificate;
  • hospital or public health birth records;
  • church or baptismal birth record;
  • BVS inquiry;
  • local, state, federal or military record;
  • adoption papers or records;
  • Indian census records;
  • U.S. passport;
  • school or day care records;
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services records;
  • Attorney General child support paternity records; or
  • Social Security Administration records.

Alternate Age Sources

  • court or child welfare records;
  • insurance policies;
  • family Bible records;
  • voluntary social service agency records;
  • court child support order;
  • written statement from a doctor or clergy member who knows the date of birth;
  • juvenile court records;
  • census records; or
  • written statement from a non-relative who knows the date of birth.

Relationship

  • birth certificate;
  • adoption papers or records;
  • hospital or public health records of birth and parentage;
  • BVS inquiry;
  • church or baptismal birth record;
  • local, state, federal government or military record;
  • school or day care records;
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services records;
  • Attorney General child support paternity records;
  • juvenile court records;
  • Indian census records;
  • U.S. passport;
  • marriage license or certificate;
  • divorce papers; or
  • court records of parentage.

Alternate Relationship Sources

  • church records of parentage and relationship including statement from clergy;
  • family Bible records;
  • court or child welfare records;
  • insurance policies;
  • voluntary social service agency records;
  • statement from clergy, doctor or school official who can verify relationship;
  • statement from non-relative who has known the child since birth;
  • Declaration of Informal Marriage filed with the county clerk;
  • sworn statement signed by both spouses; or
  • Form H1057, Declaration of Informal Marriage.

Medical Programs except TP 08 and TA 31

If other sources are unavailable, verify the age and relationship requirements using the household’s written or verbal statement.

Related Policy

Documentation Requirements, A-540
Questionable Information, C-920
Providing Verification, C-930