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Chapter 2 – Processing Timeframes

INTRODUCTION 2.1 Decisions on eligibility or ineligibility shall be made and eligible applicants shall receive benefits as soon as possible and within certain time standards. The time standards should not be used as a waiting period or as a basis for denying an application. In some cases, the time standards may be extended due to circumstances beyond the Department's control such as:

 information is beyond the applicant's ability to obtain,  circumstances beyond the applicant's control such as hospitalization, or  an administrative or other emergency such as a mass program change that could not be reasonably controlled by the Department.

In no instance may the time standards be extended due to the applicant's failure to provide verifications which are:

 within the applicant's control, or  not required to determine eligibility or, if applicable, the amount of benefits.

A verification checklist issued through ACEDS must be given to the applicant at the time the application is filed. The checklist and the date the application was filed are essential for the timely issuance of all application notices and timely disposition of the application. LEGAL AUTHORITY 2.2

AREA / TOPIC DISTRICT FEDERAL Time Standards MA: Salazar Court Order TANF: D.C. Code; 4-205.11-a; 205.26 GC: See TANF and D.C. Code 4-205.5a MA: 42 CFR 435.911-914 FS: USC 2020(e); 7 CFR 273.2 Household-Caused Delays FS: 7 CFR 273.2 Department-Caused Delays FS: 7 CFR 273.2