• the FS-1 Application for Benefits form is revised;
• the IM-31F Instructions for Making Your Food Stamp Application and Food Stamp Rights form is revised;
• the IM-31C Instructions for Making Your Food Stamp Application form is revised; and
• the IM-31M Notification of Missed Interview form and instructions are revised.

• mail-in application procedures are revised to reflect the revised FS-1 form;
• requests for mailed applications policy is clarified;
• notifying EUs of missed interviews is clarified; and
• expedited procedures for initial mail-in applications are revised/clarified.

The FS-1 Application for Benefits form is revised.  The revised form is two pages long and asks only the following information:

• Name, address, and signature of the applicant;
• Household (EU) members and identifying information; and
• Household’s (EU’s) Declaration Inquiry.

• expedited service criteria;
• non-discrimination and fair hearing rights; and
• notification and acknowledgement of fraud provisions.

IM-31C and IM-31F Revisions

The IM-31F Instructions for Making Your Food Stamp Application and Food Stamp Rights and the IM-31C Instructions for Making Your Food Stamp Application forms are revised.  The revisions include:

• instructing EU members how to complete the revised two page FS-1 form;
• removing the “Voter Registration” section; and
• removing the last bullet in the “Income” section discussing student income.

IM-31M Revision and Clarification

The IM-31M Notification of Missed Interview form is revised to include two paragraphs.  The first paragraph applies to initial applications and non-timely re-applications.  The second paragraph applies to timely re-applications.

If the EU misses a scheduled interview for an initial application or non-timely reapplication, check the first paragraph and enter the 30th day following the date of application as the date for the EU to complete the interview.  Refer to the Thirtieth Day Chart to determine the 30th day.

If the EU misses a scheduled interview for a timely re-application, check the second paragraph and enter the last day of the certification if a business day, or the first business day following the last day if the last day is a weekend/holiday.

Request for Mailed Application

When an EU requests an application be mailed to them, send the following forms to the EU.

• FS-1 Application for Benefits
• IM-31B Your Rights as a Food Stamp Applicant/Recipient
• IM-31C Instructions for Making Your Food Stamp Application
• IM-4FS Eat for Health

Mail-in or Faxed Application

When a revised food stamp application (FS-1) is received by mail or by fax, register the application and go through Caseload Setup (FM11).  Do not confirm the members of the EU on the Eligibility Unit Member Role (FM3Z) screen until the interview is conducted.  The food stamp application is incomplete.  Expedited screening on initial applications cannot be done until a completed application is received.  Contact the EU the same day the application is received to conduct an interactive interview and complete the application.  If the EU cannot be contacted the day the application is received, schedule the interview within 5 days following the date of application for an initial application.  For timely or non-timely re-applications, schedule the interview so the EU has at least ten days to provide requested verification prior to the application due date.

For a mailed or faxed application, enter the date the initial application is considered complete as the date of discovery on the Action Authorization (FM3H) screen.  This field now can be updated by staff.

Courtesy Applications

If a county or FSD office receives an application by mail or fax, from an individual who lives in another county or area covered by another FSD office, register the application.  Contact the applicant by phone to conduct the interview.  If the applicant cannot be reached that day, contact the appropriate office to get authorization, by email or telephone as soon as possible, to transfer the application immediately.  When authorization is received, the county where the application was received must fax the application to the correct county.  The county of residence must send the IM-31 Appointment Letter immediately to the applicant scheduling an interview. The county who received the application must monitor that an authorization to transfer is received in a timely manner so the application is completed timely.  If the receiving county does not authorize timely within a few days, contact the county manager of the receiving county.

Insufficient Identifying Information on Mail-in or Faxed Applications

If there is not enough identifying information (date of birth, social security number, etc.) on the FS-1 to determine if the applicant has a DCN or is a new applicant, but there is a name, address, and signature, contact the EU to obtain the information and conduct the interview.  If you are unable to contact the EU, send the EU an IM-31 Appointment Letter.   There is no need to send the FS-1 back to the EU.  Obtain any missing information during the interactive interview.  Schedule the interview within 5 days following the date of application.  The application cannot be registered until enough information is received to identify the head of the EU and the EU’s residential address.  When the information is received, register the application and conduct the interview.

Failure to Appear for an Interview

If the EU does not appear or call-in for the interview, send an IM-31M Notice of Missed Interview for initial applications and timely or non-timely re-applications.  Notify the EU they must reschedule and complete the interview by the application due date.

If the EU does not complete the interview, reject the timely reapplication the first work day following the end of the certification period, if the last day of the certification is a business day.  If the last day is a weekend/holiday, reject the second business day following the last day of the certification.

Refer to the Worker Initiated Rejection user guide for instructions on rejecting the application for failure to complete an interview.

For non-timely re-applications and initial applications, reject on the first work day after the 30th day following the date of application, as long as the 30th day is a business day.  If the 30th day is a weekend/holiday, reject the second business day following the 30th day.  Refer to the Thirtieth Day Chart for determining the 30th day.  Refer to the Worker Initiated Rejection user guide for instructions on rejecting the application for failure to complete an interview.

Manual Revisions

The Food Stamp Manual sections related to the application process and expedited procedures are revised to include the new policy, procedures, and to incorporate FAMIS terminology and procedures.

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

• Use your supply of the current FS-1 and IM-31C until completion.  Ensure the appropriate IM-31C is used in conjunction with the FS-1 form provided to the EU.

• Schedule interviews for mail-in applications within 5 days of the application if an initial application.

• Schedule interviews for timely and non-timely applications that allows the EU ten days to provide verification following the interview.

• Send an IM-31M Notice of Missed Interview form to any EU who misses the scheduled interview, for initial applications and timely or non-timely re-applications.