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SNAP CERTIFICATION MANUAL – SECTION 8000 8100 Initial Application Process – Summary 8000 Initial Application Process

These posters must be displayed in at least each waiting area designated for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit applicants and recipients. 2. To provide SNAP benefit applications. Households and outreach groups requesting a SNAP application may also be directed to the Access Arkansas Citizen Portal. Applications may be requested in any manner. 3. To encourage each household to file an application on the same day the household or its representative makes initial contact with the county office in person or by telephone and expresses interest in obtaining SNAP assistance. 4. To provide each household with voter registration assistance as described in the Voter Registration Appendix. 5. To advise each household of their rights as described in SNAP 8120. 6. To advise each household that the household may file an application before the date of the scheduled interview. 7. To screen applications to determine if the household is entitled to expedited services as instructed in SNAP 8170. 8. To record on the application the date the application is received. 9. To register any valid application received by the agency within two (2) business days. See SNAP 8120.3. All completed applications must be registered in the eligibility system to allow monitoring. See SNAP 8131. For registration purposes, the date of application will be the date that an application containing at least this minimum information is received in the DHS county office or was submitted electronically. See SNAP 8120.3. 10. To assist the household in obtaining required verification, if the household is cooperating in the application process as explained in SNAP 8300. 11. To advise applicant households that nutrition education is available free of charge.

8131 Monitoring Timeliness SNAP Manual 05/01/2022 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits must be available to eligible households no later than the thirtieth (30) day of the application period. An “eligible household” is one that has completed the required interview and provided all required verification to determine eligibility. If the household provides the required verification on or before the thirtieth (30) day of the application-processing period, the application will be approved if eligible.