40-115 THE APPLICATION PROCESS

.1 Purpose

The basic purpose of the application process is to assist the individual in establishing his/her eligibility for aid and services.

.2 Steps in the Application Process

.21 Discussion of Circumstances Leading to Application

.211 The individual with the help of the worker tells why he/she is applying for aid or services, with the worker explaining agency requirements, program limitations, the applicant's rights and responsibilities and what he/she can expect from the agency.

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RECEPTION AND APPLICATION

.212 If the applicant indicates on the SAWS 1 (Rev. 9/90) that he/she is in immediate need or indicates at any time during the application process that he/she is in an emergency situation where his/her resources are insufficient to meet the cost of the emergency situation, the county at that time shall make a determination of whether immediate need exists. (See Section 40-129, Immediate Need.) "Applicants" under this section include those who do not need to submit an application under Section 40-121.3.

.213 At the time of application, all applicants shall be informed of the availability of lump-sum diversion services.

.22 Exploration of Eligibility

The applicant will be given a Statement of Facts (JA 2) to complete and sign under penalty of perjury. Acceptable evidence must be obtained concerning the linking and nonlinking factors of eligibility. (See each Eligibility Chapter for what is acceptable evidence.) When such evidence does not exist, the applicant's sworn statement under penalty of perjury will be considered sufficient, except in the areas of verification of U.S. citizenship or alienage status and/or medical verification or pregnancy. See Section 42-433 for verification of citizenship or eligible alien status and 80-300(m)(2) for verification of pregnancy.

.221 Before additional evidence may be obtained, the applicant must agree to continue the process of attempting to establish his/her eligibility.

.222 The applicant must participate in the gathering of evidence necessary to make an eligibility determination insofar as he/she has the capacity to do so.

.223 The principles and methods set forth in 40-157.2 and 40-157.3 shall be observed when obtaining evidence.

.224 The application process is not complete until all the evidence is in.

.225 Income and eligibility information shall be requested through IEVS and shall be used, to the extent possible, in the determination of eligibility in accordance with the procedures specified in Sections 20-006.2 and 20-006.4. However, the county shall not delay the determination of eligibility pending receipt of IEVS information if other information establishes the individual's eligibility.

.226 See Section 42-715 for the treatment of domestic abuse in the application process.

RECEPTION AND APPLICATION

.23 Determination of Eligibility

.231 If eligibility is clearly established, aid is authorized and the eligible persons are certified for medical assistance.

.232 If it is determined the applicant is ineligible for a cash grant, determination of eligibility or ineligibility for certification as a medically needy person or family is required before action is taken on the application.

.24 Authorization of Assistance

.241 The next step in the application process concerns only approved applications. This step includes the following:

a. Authorization of assistance to a person who has been determined to be eligible for a cash grant;

b. The administrative procedure which assures prompt payment to a new recipient; and

c. Certification for medical assistance.

NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 10553, 10554, and 10604, Welfare and Institutions Code. Reference: 45 CFR 206.10(a)(1)(ii) and Sections 10553, 10554, 10604, 11056, 11266.5 (Ch. 270, Stats. 1997), and 11495.1, Welfare and Institutions Code.