Application Processing Standards
Observe the following standards in processing ABD applications:
Register the application within 24 hours of the agency’s receipt of the application.
If the A/R or AREP is not interviewed on the same day an institutional COA application is filed, contact the A/R or AREP within a reasonable timeframe to conduct the required telephone interview.
If the A/R or AREP is not interviewed on the same day a non-institutional COA application is filed, and additional information is required, contact the A/R or AREP within a reasonable timeframe.
If verification or additional information is required, complete a verification checklist and mail or provide to the A/R or AREP. Establish a reasonable deadline for returning the requested verification.
If the A/R or AREP fails to meet the deadline for providing additional information, attempt to contact the A/R or AREP to assess the need for an extension of the deadline or the possibility of assisting in obtaining required verification. Do not deny an application for failure to provide verification if the verification can be obtained by the caseworker.
Contact the nursing home or appropriate case manager by the 30 th calendar day from the application date if the LOC instrument has not been received. Document and follow-up as necessary.
Deny an application at the first point ineligibility is established. Do not leave a case pending in anticipation of the A/R becoming eligible at a date beyond the ongoing benefit month.
Deny the application within two days of SOP if the nursing home or case manager has failed to submit the LOC instrument to the authorized approval source. If the LOC approval source has received the LOC instrument but has not yet completed it, do not deny the application.
Do not deny an application solely because the 10 th , 45 th , or 90 th day has been reached, and eligibility cannot yet be determined.
Deny an application before the SOP if the A/R or AREP fails to cooperate in the application process or fails to supply necessary information that he or she is capable of obtaining and DFCS has no direct means of obtaining.