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If a child in a GC unit dies and there are no other children in the unit, deny the application. If there are other children in the unit, continue processing the application. To determine eligibility and benefits for the month of application, include the deceased person in the unit if s/he was in the unit at least one day from the date of the application to the end of the application month. For the month following the month of application, consider the person in the unit if s/he was in the unit at least one day of the month following the month of application. FS If a person in a one-person unit dies prior to completing the application process, deny the application. If a person in an assistance unit of more than one dies, continue processing the application. To determine eligibility and benefits for the month of application, include the deceased person in the unit if s/he was in the unit at least one day from the date of application to the end of the application month. For the month following the month of application, consider the person in the unit if s/he was in the unit at least one day of the month following the month of application. Certify the household for ongoing benefits based on the unit not including the deceased individual. Example The Johnsons, an elderly couple, apply for FS on January 15th. Mrs. Johnson dies on January 25th. When determining eligibility and benefits for January, include Mrs. Johnson in the assistance unit. When determining eligibility and benefits for February, do not include her in the unit.

WHERE TO FILE 1.7

MA The application may be filed at any ESA office that serves the program. If the application is filed at an ESA office that does not serve the applicant's address, then the SSR shall forward the application to the appropriate office on the same day it is received. TANF See MA. GC See MA FS See MA. In addition to submitting FS applications to any ESA Service Center, SSI applicants/recipients may apply for FS benefits at SSA Offices even though the SSA does not determine FS eligibility and level of benefits (see Section 1.7.1: Applying for Food Stamps Benefits through the SSA in this Chapter). IDA The application must be filed at an ESA center designated to accept IDA applications.

Applying for Food Stamp Benefits through the SSA 1.7.1

In accordance with a special agreement, whenever a member of a household consisting only of SSI applicants/recipients transacts business at the SSA Office, SSA will inform the household member of:

 his/her right to apply for FS benefits at the SSA Office without going to an IMA service center, and

 his/her right to apply at an IMA service center if s/he chooses.