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the department receives the applicant’s identifiable application, as described in 7 AAC 45.150; or

(2) if the applicant was initially determined to be ineligible, on the date that the department determines the applicant to be eligible. (b) If an applicant applies after the first day of the month, the department will prorate the first month’s ATAP payment. To prorate, the department will calculate and round the payment as if the applicant were entitled to a full month’s benefits and will then multiply the full month’s payment amount by the quotient of dividing the number of the days remaining in the month, including the day of receipt of the application in the district office, by the total number of days in the month. (c) The department will also prorate initial benefits when a new application is required under 7 AAC 45.165 and when an individual is added to an existing assistance unit under 7 AAC 45.555. (d) The department will issue an initial payment within 10 days after finding that an assistance unit is eligible for ATAP benefits. (Eff. 8/5/92, Register 123; am 10/1/97, Register 143; am 1/7/2005, Register 173) Statutory Authority: Authority: AS 47.05.010 AS 47.27.005 7 AAC 45.545. Method of payment. (a) Only the division of the department that is responsible for administering the ATAP program under this chapter may authorize payment of ATAP benefits. (b) Except as otherwise provided in this section for cash assistance, and in 7 AAC 45.258(g) for PASS I child care assistance, ATAP payments are made by state warrant mailed directly to the caretaker relative with whom the eligible dependent child is living using the address where the recipient customarily receives mail or by electronic transfer of funds to the caretaker relative’s personal financial account or electronic benefit transfer (EBT) account with the state’s financial EBT agent. In order to ensure proper delivery of the payment to an assistance unit, the department may issue the payment to

(1) a protective payee as provided for in this chapter;

(2) an individual at a different address, if requested in writing by the caretaker relative or