IM-71 May 31, 2022; IM-36 April 30, 2018; IM-17 March 29, 2016; IM-24 April 11, 2014; IM-33 March 15, 2013; IM-11 January 25, 2013; IM-99 December 5, 2012; IM-21 March 14, 2012; IM-62 October 18, 2011; IM-27 March 19, 2004
A Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Application is not considered an application until a minimum of the (1) name, (2) address and (3) applicant’s signature is received by the Family Support Division (FSD).
Name, Address and Signature Only Applications
An application cannot be registered in the eligibility system without a DCN. When a DCN cannot be located or assigned, the application will be uploaded to the NAS tracker. Processing time frames apply whether an application is registered or not (see 1130.005.00 Processing Time Frames).
FS-1 Received Missing Name, Address or Signature
An application form missing the applicant’s name, address, or a signature (by a responsible household member, authorized representative or the applicant’s guardian/conservator) is not an application. In these situations, staff should attempt to secure the missing information. Attempt to call the applicant if a number is available to obtain missing information. For date of application, see 1120.020.00 Date the Application Is Filed.
NOTE: A “responsible household member” is any adult member of the household, but does not include an adult household member who has a court-appointed guardian or conservator who is required by the court to sign on the household member’s behalf.
Eligibility determinations cannot be made without the applicant’s name, address, and signature at minimum.
Missing Name
A SNAP application missing the applicant’s name is not considered an application. When FSD receives a SNAP application without a name, attempt contact with individual through address or phone number if this information is provided.
Missing Signature
A SNAP application missing the applicant’s signature is not considered an application. When a SNAP application is received without a signature, return the original unsigned application with the Signature Request (IM-2SR) and an FSD addressed envelope to the participant within three business days. The Signature Request Form instructs the participant to sign and mail the application to FSD. No further action is necessary by the FSD local office staff.
When an FSD office receives a signed SNAP application due to the Signature Request Form, the application processing must begin by any FSD staff member in order to adhere to processing timeframes. The Form and/or application should not be forwarded to the address on the Signature Request Form for processing.
Missing Address
A SNAP application missing the applicant’s address, it is not considered an application.
A SNAP application submitted with no address is not considered an application, even if the applicant is homeless. A physical address is not required to apply for benefits; therefore, a mailing address is sufficient for an application to be considered complete.
If a SNAP application form is received without an address (mailing or physical), attempt contact with individual through phone number, if this information is provided.
Physical addresses are preferred but not required. Staff should update all fields with a participant’s physical address when it is known.
Homeless applicants with no physical address
When “homeless” is entered as the residential address in the eligibility system, a mailing address must be entered in the eligibility system as well.
NOTE: A description of a living arrangement (i.e. down by the bridge, at the corner of 12th and Main Street) is not a mailing or physical address and cannot be entered on the address screens in the eligibility system. Do NOT use any identifying information such as the participants DCN or Social Security Number (SSN).
When a participant does not have a mailing address, encourage the applicant to use the United States Post Office’s General Delivery Services.
FSD Address Use
Participants may use any FSD address (i.e. office or Resource Center) when no other mailing address is available and this option has been thoroughly discussed with the participant.
Applicants and participants may use an FSD office address if:
- the participant is informed and choses this option; and
- the participant agrees to routinely check his/her mail by visiting FSD
The FSD addresses are mailing addresses and cannot be used for a physical address.