Page 153

COMBINED MANUAL

ISSUE DATE 12/2014

PREDICTING ELIGIBILITY

0005.03.03

Prior to the applicant filing a Combined Application Form (CAF) the agency may predict eligibility as a client service. Once the agency receives a CAF, the agency must approve, deny, or pend the application.

Clients must ask for a prediction of eligibility orally or in writing. DO NOT volunteer to predict eligibility.

When a client asks you to predict eligibility:

● Provide each person with a written disclaimer explaining that the prediction may not be an accurate determination of eligibility. You might reverse your prediction of eligibility after reviewing an application.

● Identify and explain eligibility factors.

● Inform people of their right to apply for assistance. See 0003 (Client Responsibilities and Rights).

● Offer people an application and an intake interview.

● Tell people they must file an application for an actual determination of eligibility.

DO NOT discourage people from applying for benefits. DO NOT require people to provide verification until after they submit an application.

Predictions of eligibility are not appealable. People have the right to appeal ONLY if they file an application and if the county agency formally denies or approves eligibility. See 0027 (Appeals).

MFIP: A family may have a variety of financial problems that bring them to a county agency office. In some cases, it may be more advantageous for a family to use community resources to resolve the problem. It is important that the family be told of all possible available community resources when they first inquire at the county agency. The family and the agency should explore any options outside the agency that may be available to meet the family’s circumstances. Some families will choose to apply for public assistance benefits to resolve the issue.

In addition, you must inform people who ask you to predict eligibility about the following:

● The 60-month time limit on receiving assistance.

● There are alternative programs for which they might be eligible, including SNAP, health care, and child care. See 0029 (Other Related Programs), 0029.30 (Child Care Assistance). Assistance with obtaining child support is also an option

DWP: Follow MFIP, EXCEPT reference to the 60-month time limit does NOT apply.

SNAP, MSA, GA, GRH: Follow general provisions.