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SNAP CERTIFICATION MANUAL – SECTIONS 100 TO 900 800 Quality Assurance (Q.A.)

801 Cooperation with Q.A.

800 Quality Assurance (Q.A.)

SNAP MANUAL 12/01/98 DCO is required to conduct quality assurance reviews on a statistically valid sample of households currently participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and of households for which participation was denied or terminated. The objectives of quality assurance reviews are to provide: 1. A systematic method of measuring the validity of the SNAP caseload; 2. A basis for determining error rates; 3. A timely, continuous flow of information upon which corrective action is based at all levels of administration; 4. A basis for establishing the state’s liability for errors that exceed national standards; and 5. A basis for establishing eligibility for enhanced funding.

801 Cooperation with Q.A. SNAP MANUAL 12/01/98 A household that refuses to cooperate when a Q.A. Review is being conducted is ineligible to participate in either the regular or the Simplified Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. If a household’s case is closed for refusal to cooperate in the Q.A. process, the household may reapply but cannot be determined eligible until: 1. The household cooperates with the Q.A. reviewer; or 2. Until January 3rd of the year that follows the end of the completed annual review period. The annual review period ends September30th. To resume participation, a household must provide verification of all eligibility requirements prior to certification. EXAMPLE: A household’s SNAP case is being reviewed by Quality Assurance for the review month of April 1999. The household refuses to cooperate with the reviewer. The annual review period ends on September 30, 1999. The household cannot be determined eligible until January 3, 2000. On January 10, 2000, the household reapplies and may be found eligible after all eligibility factors are re- verified.