Page 47

ESA SNAP Policy Manual 31 3.4 Date of Application The date that an application is filed establishes the length of time ESA has to deliver benefit determinations and initial benefit issuance. ESA considers an application filed on the date it receives an application that includes the customer’s name, address and signature. How and when ESA receives the application can affect the date of the application, as described below. 3.4.1 Applications Received During Business Hours The day ESA receives the application is the date of application. 3.4.2 Applications Received Outside Normal Business Hours The next business day is the date of application for applications received outside normal business hours. This applies to applications received in the evenings, on weekends and during holidays. 3.4.3 Online Applications  If the customer submits the application during business hours, the day they submit the application is the date of application.  If the customer submits the application outside business hours, the next business day is the date of application. 3.4.4 Applications Received From SSA Offices For SNAP, if the SSA forwards an application for an SSI customer from an SSA office, ESA considers the application filed for expedited processing when ESA receives the signed application from SSA. The application is filed for standard processing when the signed application is received by SSA. 3.4.5 Applications for Residents of a Public Institution For a resident of a public institution who applies for benefits before they are released from the institution, the date of filing of their SNAP application is the date of the individual’s release from the institution. 3.5 Interview An interview with the customer, any responsible household member or authorized representative is required to complete the initial application process for SNAP. Interviews are conducted for the following reasons:  To explore and clarify the household’s circumstances and identify information that needs to be verified Return