(a) State action. When an AAW applies for Basic, Additional, or Completion TRA, the State having jurisdiction under §618.820 (determinations of eligibility; notices to individuals) must obtain information necessary to establish:

(1) Whether the AAW meets the qualifying requirements in §618.720 for Basic TRA, in §618.760 for Additional TRA, or in §618.765 for Completion TRA; and

(2) For a partially separated AAW, the average weekly hours and average weekly wage in adversely affected employment.

(b) Insufficient data. If information specified in paragraph (a) of this section is not available from State records or from any employer, the State must require the AAW to submit a signed statement setting forth such information as may be required for the State to make the determinations required by paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) Verification. A statement made under paragraph (b) of this section must be certified by the AAW to be true to the best of the worker's knowledge and belief and must be supported by evidence including W-2 forms, paycheck stubs, union records, income tax returns, or statements of fellow workers, and must, whenever possible, be verified by the employer.

(d) Determinations. The State must make the necessary determinations on the basis of information obtained under this section, except that if, after reviewing information obtained under paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section against other available data, including agency records, it concludes that such information is not reasonably accurate, it must make the determination on the basis of the best available information.

(e) Timing. The State must follow the established method used for processing regular UI claims. If an employer does not respond within the timeframe established for UI claims, then the State must act on the best available information.