| SUBJECT: |
| TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE APPLICATION PROCESSING TIMEFRAME
TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE MANUAL REVISION #24: SECTION 0220.005.00 PROMPT DISPOSITION APPLICATION PROCESSING MANUAL REVISION #25: SECTION 0105.035.00 NOTIFICATION OF APPLICATION DECISION |
| DISCUSSION: |
| The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify the application processing times for a Temporary Assistance application. Temporary Assistance applications no longer need to be held 45 days to reject on the 46th day for failure to cooperate, if two requests for the needed information have been sent. Complete the eligibility determination by the 30th day from the date of application unless unusual or extreme circumstances exist. Temporary Assistance applications are to be processed without undue delay. Maintain controls to ensure applications are promptly processed as soon as all necessary information is received.
If eligibility is not determined by the 30th day record the reason for delay in the case record. Applications should only be held past the 30th day if the second written request has not expired or the applicant has contacted staff and made arrangements to provide the information. An application may be rejected prior to the 30th day if:
To be rejected on failure to cooperate an applicant must be given a written request for the outstanding information or verification needed. If there is no response to the request, a second written request must be sent to ensure the applicant has had adequate opportunity to provide the needed information. The allotted time frame for each written request is 10 days from the date of the request. Example: Staff sends a written request with applicant A on June 28, 2004. Information is expected to be returned by July 08, 2004. If the information is not received a second written request would be sent on July 09, 2004 giving the applicant until July 19 to provide the information. If a case is rejected because the applicant failed to provide information, the rejection notice must state what information requested by the caseworker was not provided and the regulation or policy supporting the action. The notice must state that because the applicant failed to supply the information, FSD is unable to determine eligibility. NOTE: There can be many reasons why an applicant may not be able to cooperate in a timely manner. The applicant has the responsibility to inform staff if there is a problem in getting the information and staff has the responsibility to assist the applicant in obtaining all requested information. Do not reject an application based solely on non-cooperation of someone outside the household. It is however, ultimately the applicant’s responsibility to provide needed information to determine eligibility. To determine refusal to cooperate, the applicant must be able to cooperate, but clearly demonstrate either verbally or in writing that s/he will not take actions s/he is capable of that are required to complete the application process. |
| NECESSARY ACTION: |
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