Page 151

COMBINED MANUAL

ISSUE DATE 10/2019

ASSISTANCE REQUESTS

0005.03

Counties and tribes must have eligibility workers available during office hours to answer questions about programs, eligibility requirements, and how to apply for assistance. See 0003 (Client Responsibilities and Rights), 0005.12 (Accepting and Processing Applications). Counties and tribes must have applications readily available in their local offices or to anyone who requests one.

As a service to clients, counties and tribes may offer after hours assistance for emergencies and/or working clients. See 0004 (Emergencies).

When people contact the county agency in person, by phone or in writing, the county agency must:

● Identify a request for assistance.

NOTE: Clients may ask you to predict eligibility. If so, see 0005.03.03 (Predicting Eligibility).

● Ask people if they have an emergency need. See 0004 (Emergencies).

● Provide information on the kinds of assistance and help available through the community and through your agency. Refer people to social services if requested.

● Tell people of the right to file an application and offer people the opportunity to apply online, pick up an application in person, or have an application mailed to them. Inform clients of where and how to file the application. They may submit a completed application and/or CAF page number 1 online, in person, by fax, or by mail. See 0003.09 (Client Rights), 0005.12 (Accepting and Processing Applications).

● Mail the application packet the same day a client makes a request for one. For information on what forms to include in the application packet, see 0005.12.12.01 (Forms/Handouts for Applicants).

● Explain that benefits may begin as early as the date of application. See 0005.12.09 (Date of Application), 0022.12.03 (Proration).

All provisions in this section also apply to people completing a Minnesota Transition Application Form (DHS-5223E) (PDF) (MTAF). See 0005.10 (Minnesota Transition Application Form (MTAF)).