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Title 7: SNAP Page 2 Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Employees’ Manual Chapter B: Application Processing Filing a SNAP Application Revised September 27, 2024 Handling a Request for an Application The following sections explain procedures for: Handling a request for an application Determining the date of application Notifying and screening for emergency service Withdrawal of an application Handling a Request for an Application Legal reference: 7 CFR 273.2(c)(3) and (5) Policy: Application forms must be available to anyone who wants one. Procedure: Give an application to anyone who asks for one. Give form RC-0023 or RC-0023(S), Things You Need to Give Us for SNAP, with each application form. Tell everyone who asks about applying for SNAP that: The application can be submitted on line, by mail or fax, or in person at the local HHS office. Offer to give or send out an application form that same day. An application should be submitted right away. The first month’s benefits start from the date the office gets the application. Just the applicant’s name, address, and signature blanks need be completed to turn in the application. Items left blank will need to be filled in later. A member of the household or authorized representative must be interviewed. Put a phone number on the application where the household can be reached for a telephone interview. Emergency service may be available. Go to Determining Eligibility for Emergency Service for details. After turning in an application an eligible household will get benefits within: • 7 days if eligible for emergency service. • 30 days if not eligible for emergency service. Date of Application Legal reference: 7 CFR 273.2(c)(1) and (2) Policy: A SNAP application must be date-stamped when an HHS local office receives it. The date-stamp establishes the application’s “filing date.” The filing date is the first date for which an applicant can receive SNAP benefits based on a valid application. See Filing a SNAP Application for what is a valid application.