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ESA SNAP Policy Manual 82 7.2.3 Expedited Screening ESA must screen all SNAP applications using the SNAP expedited screening criteria found in Section 7.2.1, Entitlement to Expedited Service, to identify applicants eligible for expedited benefits on the same day ESA receives the application. ESA is required to screen households seeking recertification for expedited benefits, regardless of when they submitted their application. The screening to determine eligibility for expedited benefits includes households submitting applications after their current certification period has ended and those submitting within 30 days following the end of their certification period. For recertification applications, ESA is not required to screen households for expedited benefits as long as the household applies for recertification before the end of its current certification period. The information provided by the household is assessed using the criteria in Section 7.2.1, Entitlement to Expedited Service, to determine eligibility for expedited service. Expedited processing does not override program eligibility requirements, although certain processing requirements and actions may be postponed due to the expedited service time standard. 7.2.4 Expedited Interviews Households eligible for expedited service must participate in an interview.  If the household files the application in person, ESA must interview it the same day the application is filed, unless the customer asks to postpone the interview.  For applications filed in other ways, such as via mail, online or dropped off at a Service Center, ESA must attempt to contact the applicant or authorized representative by telephone. If the applicant or authorized representative is reached and able to complete the interview, ESA should document the interview in the applicant’s case record.  If the applicant cannot be reached by phone for an interview on the day ESA receives the application for expedited service, ESA must schedule an interview with the household for a specific date and time. The interview should be scheduled as soon as possible to meet the expedited timeframes. If the applicant does not respond and does not complete an interview, the application can be processed within the normal 30-day processing. ESA must help the household complete the application during the interview if the household needs assistance. ESA cannot provide expedited SNAP benefits until the household completes an interview. If the customer completes the interview within six calendar days after the date they applied, ESA adheres to the seven-day deadline for making expedited service available. 7.2.5 Expedited Verification ESA must make reasonable efforts to verify all information within the expedited processing time standard.  Identity is the only verification required before ESA can issue benefits under expedited service. Identity can be verified through readily available documentation, including a current or expired ID card, or a collateral contact, including a verbal confirmation of a household’s circumstances Return