MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

The planned release date for the Food Stamp application on the internet is March 26, 2012. Staff will be notified if the Food Stamp web application will not be available on that date.

When the project is implemented, applications for Food Stamp benefits may be completed using the Internet. Individuals may access the application from the Missouri Department of Social Services website at https://dss.mo.gov and going to the Missouri Benefits Center. The applicant may complete the application online, or download and print an application to submit to the Family Support Division.

Applicants must register to use the Missouri Benefits Center online application system. Each applicant is required to create a user ID, password, and secret question response. An email address is not required.

When the online application is completed, the applicant submits the information with an electronic signature and has the option to print the application for their records.

A web load was created for each FSD county/Customer Service Center. Local offices have assigned primary and secondary workers who can access the web applications. An email will be sent to the primary worker on the web load notifying them a web application has been received.

Eligibility specialists receive an alert on the Alert/Reminder (FM7M) screen in FAMIS when an online application has been assigned to their caseload. The alert message is "Filed Application Requires Action". Each web application must be sent to FAMIS within 24 hours of receipt.

The date of application is the date the application is submitted unless it is after regular business hours, on the weekend or State holiday. The date received appears on the Web Application Search (FWH0) screen in FAMIS. Applications submitted after regular business hours, on the weekend or State holiday are dated the next business day.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff

JM