(Revised 04/01/04 ML #2914)
Proper execution of the "prudent person" concept is critical to the successful administration of assistance programs. A "prudent person" refers to an eligibility worker who consistently exhibits good judgement in requesting, reviewing, and weighing information provided by a recipient. The concept also involves the capacity to quickly and accurately determine that the information is adequate for making an eligibility decision or that further exploration of the circumstances is necessary. A prudent person by definition is attentive, vigilant, cautious, perceptive, and generally governed by common sense.
The basis for any "prudent person" judgment and decision should be clearly stated in the case record.
The following are illustrations of circumstances in which the eligibility worker would find it "prudent" to make a further inquiry into an individual's eligibility status:
The person's situation indicates potential resources such as medical insurance, sick leave benefits, or eligibility for social security benefits, veteran’s benefits, or unemployment compensation;
The individual's condition indicates that some, if not all, of the eligibility factors need further inquiry or verification. This would include instances in which the individual:
Appears to be mentally confused;
Is physically ill or disabled and unable to participate adequately in the eligibility determination process;
Has a known history of misrepresentation; or
Someone who changes his/her address frequently or who has no permanent place of residence.