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Every person has the right to file an application on the same day that s/he contacts IMA. An application is considered filed if it: • is on the prescribed form; • contains a name and address (unless homeless); • has a signature; and • is received by any IMA Service Center by mail or in person at any IMA center (except for IDA. See below for that program).

ALL The Combined Application (CA) allows individuals to apply for multiple assistance programs. The CA covers the following five programs:  MA  TANF  GC  IDA , and  FS

Persons applying for multiple program benefits, such as TANF and FS, should complete the pertinent sections of the CA as outlined in the instructions. IMA staff must accept all applications presented at a Service Center during regular business hours. If the application has been sent to the incorrect Service Center, center staff should inform the applicant of the correct Service Center and give the applicant the choice of taking the application to the correct center or permitting the Service Center to forward the application to the correct center. if the caller does not wish to come to the office in person, inform the caller that the Department can mail them the application. The SSR shall mail an application and related forms on the day the request is received.

When a written inquiry for assistance is received, the SSR shall mail the application and related forms, including information about expedited Food Stamps, the same day the request is received.