Verification is confirmation of eligibility for free and reduced price meals under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.  Verification must include either confirmation of income eligibility or confirmation that the child is included in a certified Food Stamp household or Temporary Assistance unit.

• LEAs Required to Verify Standard Sample Size - SY23-24
• Chart and Calculator for Determining Error-Prone Applications - SY23-24
• Verification Guidance
  • Questions and Answers
  • Verification Step-by-Step Summary

National School Lunch Program Attachments

• Letter to Households – Notification of Selection of Verification
• Verification Information for Free and Reduced Price Meals
• Statement of Earnings – Letter that household may have employer complete
• Social Security and/or SSI Statement of Earnings – Letter that household may have Social Security Office complete
• Food Stamp/Temporary Assistance Office - Letter from the Local Education Agency
• Verification Form – Food Stamp/Temporary Assistance Recipients
• Statement of Benefits – Letter that household may have Food Stamp/Temporary Assistance Office complete
• Letter of Verification Results and Adverse Action for Income Households
• Letter of Adverse Action for Food Stamp/Temporary Assistance Households
• Notification of Continuation of Benefits as a Result of Verification

Other Verification Information

• Eligibility Manual for School Meals - Determining and Verifying Eligibility
• USDA Verification Toolkit
• SP-42-2017 - Beginning Verification before October 1:  Guidance to Local Educational Agencies
• Verification Report Guidance
• Verification Tracking Worksheet