This article is intended for Iowa parents who need to go through the Iowa manual verification process.
What is Manual Verification?
Manual verification becomes necessary under two conditions: when the application cannot be verified automatically through the system, or when the maximum number of attempts (3) to apply has been reached. In such instances, you will be prompted to submit documentation to verify specific information. This documentation typically includes residency verification, income verification, or both. Additionally, if taxes were filed jointly and the information of the additional filer was omitted, manual verification will also be required.
What information will be used to verify Iowa residency?
Proof of Iowa residency is based on the parent/guardian’s 2023 Iowa State Tax Return. If the parent/guardian did not complete a 2023 Iowa State Tax Return, additional documentation will be required. Details of approved documents to submit for residency verification are listed below.
Approved Residency Verification Documents
- Option 1: Current Iowa Driver's License
- Option 2: Iowa 2023 State Tax Return
- Option 3: Proof of Residence (current mortgage, lease, utility bill) and one of the following:
- Iowa Voter Registration Card
- Claim of Homestead Credit or Military Tax Exemption on a home in Iowa
- Active checking or savings account with an Iowa address
- Other documents and correspondence initiated during tax periods with an Iowa address
- Option 4:
- Other written and signed narrative from parent/guardian explaining the situation including a stated claim of Iowa residency, and other related documentation reflecting residency.
What information will be used to verify income restrictions if the application was not able to be approved through the automatic process?
Income verification is only required for students who attended an Iowa accredited nonpublic school in the 2023-24 school year who did not receive and use an ESA. A student that attended a nonpublic school in 2023-24 that will be in kindergarten in 2024-25 does not have to meet income requirements. If the parent/guardian did not complete a 2023 Iowa State Tax Return, additional documentation will be required.
Examples of approved documents to submit for income requirement verification are listed below:
- Option 1: Proof of enrollment in an Iowa program that has an income eligibility component below the income threshold.
- Eligible programs: SNAP, child care assistance, cash assistance, or Iowa Medicaid
- Required documentation: Iowa HHS Notice of Decision or image of SNAP card with matching parent name
- Option 2: If a written and signed narrative is chosen, all the following items must be included:
- A written claim of net income
- A written claim of household size
- The most recent pay stub for both parents/guardians
- A letter from each employer verifying annual income for the employee
- Option 3: State or Federal 2023 Tax Return
- Option 4: If the information above is not available all the following documentation must be presented for escalation:
- A written and signed narrative of situation from parent/guardian
- A stated claim of net income and household size
- A related documentation proving net income and/or household size (e.g., divorce decree in the case of divorce, unemployment letter in the case of unemployment).