481-3 REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION

481-3 REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION

To determine a client's eligibility or correct benefit amount, the Division sometimes requires information or documentation that may not be immediately available. The case worker must inform the client, in writing, of what information is necessary and give the client a reasonable amount of time to provide it. A reasonable amount of time is at least 15 days. However, the case worker should give the client more than 15 days if it is unreasonable to expect the client to be able to provide the information within 15 days from the date of mailing.

If the client fails, without good cause, to respond to a written request for information, or fails to provide all of the information requested, eligibility for assistance does not exist. Timely notice requirements apply to termination of benefits for failure to provide requested information.

In certain situations, the case worker must give the client 30 days to provide necessary information. 30-day timeframes apply in the following situations:

When the Division becomes aware that a client may be eligible for other benefits for which he or she must apply, the client must be given 30 days from the date of mailing to provide proof that they have applied.

When an Interim Assistance ( IA ) recipient receives an adverse SSI decision from any level except the final Appeals Council review, the case worker must give the individual at least 30 days to provide proof of entry or re-entry into the SSI appeals process. If the required proof is received within the requested time period, and the client is otherwise eligible, the IA benefits are continued without interruption pending a final SSI decision. (Refer to section 426-6B for special notice requirements for IA recipients.)