Page 93

ESA SNAP Policy Manual 77 Chapter 7 Chapter 7. Processing Standards 7.1 Normal Processing Standards ESA must make an eligibility decision and provide benefits to eligible households as soon as possible and within program-specific time standards. Time standards must not be used as a waiting period or as a basis for denying an application. ESA must assist applicant households that are cooperating with ESA with completing the application process. 7.1.1 Time Standards ESA’s goal is to make eligibility determinations within 10 calendar days from the date that all information necessary to determine eligibility has been submitted, although ESA is not legally obligated to meet this timeframe. The amount of time ESA has to determine eligibility for benefits varies by program, as shown in Table 7.1.1.a. Table 7.1.1.a. Timelines for Determining Eligibility for Benefits Benefits Applied for Calendar Days for ESA to Determine Eligibility SNAP: standard processing 30 days SNAP: expedited service 7 days

Legal Authority Time standards (federal): SNAP: 7 USC § 2020(e), 7 CFR § 273.2(g), 7 CFR § 273.2(c)(1)(vi), 7 CFR § 273.2(k), 7 CFR § 274.2(b) Household-caused delays (federal): SNAP: 7 CFR § 273.2(h) Department-caused delays (federal): SNAP: 7 CFR § 273.2(h) Return