SUBJECT:
TIMELY REJECTING FOOD STAMP APPLICATIONS
DISCUSSION:
This memorandum is to remind staff of the time frames for rejecting food stamp applications. A review of Quality Control findings has shown that some food stamp applications are being rejected prior to the date allowed by policy and procedures.
Income Maintenance Memorandum IM-#26 dated March 19, 2004, introduced policy on rejecting non-timely and initial applications after the 30th day following the date of application if outstanding verification is not received, and reviewed policy for rejecting timely re-applications. This policy is discussed in Food Stamp Manual Section 1130.005.00 PROCESSING TIME FRAMES and 1130.015.15 Processing Recertifications.
Non-timely Re-applications and Initial Applications.
Non-timely re-applications and initial applications are rejected by FAMIS after the 30th day following the date of application if outstanding verification is not received.
The due date appearing on the Application Request (FM0G) screen is the date by which an application must be approved to meet time frames for allowing the EU to participate timely. Two mail days are factored in to calculating the due date in case a new EBT card must be sent to the EU, to allow the EU to participate timely. Do not reject the application based upon the due date shown on the Application Request (FM0G) screen.
For EUs who do not complete the interview, the worker must do a worker initiated rejection (WIRJ) the first business day following the 30th day. If the 30th day is a holiday or weekend, the worker rejects the application on the second business day following the 30th day. To determine the 30th day for worker initiated rejections, refer to the Thirtieth Day Chart 
. Do not reject the application until after the 30th day.
Timely Applications for Re-Certification
If requested verification has not been provided, FAMIS will reject the application the night of the last day of the certification if the last day is a business day, or the night of the first business day following the end of the certification if the last day is a holiday or weekend, as long as the controlled flow is complete and/or the EU had at least ten days to provide requested verification. Do not reject the application until after the last day of certification.
If the interview has not been completed, the controlled flow cannot be completed. A worker-initiated rejection is completed the first business day following the last day of the certification if the last day is a business day, or the second business day following the end of the certification if the last day is a holiday or weekend, as long as the EU had at least ten days to provide any requested verification and/or the IM-31 and IM-31M were sent for an interview appointment. Do not reject the application until after the last day of certification.
The following user guides are available to assist with application processing:
- Worker Initiated Rejection,
- Cancel Rejecting a Food Stamp Application,
- Entering a Delay Code on a Food Stamp Case, and
- Authorizing an Action.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
- Do not reject an application for food stamp benefits prior to the date allowed by policy and procedures.