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COMBINED MANUAL

ISSUE DATE 08/2020

APPLICATIONS

0005

People must meet program eligibility requirements within the application processing period. If the unit is not eligible by the end of the processing period, deny the application. See 0005.12.15 (Application Processing Standards), 0022.03.03 (Ineligibility in a Prospective Month - Cash), 0022.03.04 (Ineligibility in a Prospective Month - SNAP), 0022.18 (Suspensions), 0026.15 (Notice of Denial, Termination, or Suspension).

You must complete the application process within designated time frames. See 0005.12.15 (Application Processing Standards). Under certain situations, delays in application processing may occur. See 0005.12.15.03 (Delays in Processing Applications), 0005.12.15.06 (Determining Who Caused the Delay), 0005.12.15.09 (Delays Caused by the Applicant Household), 0005.12.15.12 (Delays Caused by the Agency), 0005.12.15.15 (Delays Caused by the Agency and Applicant).

People may withdraw an application for assistance either orally or in writing any time before you act on it. See 0005.12.18 (Withdrawing an Application). People may also rescind the withdrawal and have the application reinstated if they meet certain requirements. See 0005.12.21 (Reinstating a Withdrawn Application). For notice requirements, see 0026 (Notices).

Counties must use forms developed by DHS for the purposes of informing and advising clients about their rights and responsibilities, the status of an application or recertification, and ongoing eligibility for assistance. If DHS does not provide a form for a given purpose, the county agency may develop its own form; however, the form must meet the requirements in TEMP Manual TE12.02.01 (County Designed Forms).

Some applicants must apply for other potential benefits, such as Unemployment Insurance, Social Security benefits or Workers’ Compensation. Inform the applicants that assistance may be denied for failure to apply for appropriate benefits. See 0012.12 (Applying for Other Benefits).

MFIP: The county agency must provide an orientation to MFIP. See 0005.12.12.06 (Orientation to Financial Services).

DWP: Follow general provisions but in addition, when the county agency receives an application from a family for assistance under DWP, you must determine if the applicant may be eligible for other benefits. To assist the county in determining whether the family is eligible for DWP or should have eligibility determined for MFIP, the DWP/MFIP Screening Questions (DHS-4026) (PDF) is available. This form is optional and can be used as part of the application packet or when a completed application is received by the county agency.

At the initial screening, explain to the applicant that modifications to the Employment Plan can be made if the participant is a victim of family violence.

Inform the applicant that timely processing of DWP applications is critical to the success of the program. Inform the applicant that any delay in submitting the application will reduce the benefits paid for the month of application. Also inform applicants that an application may be submitted before they have an interview appointment.

Discuss with the applicant the benefits/drawbacks of withdrawing the application until the 1st of the next month so that the family can receive 4 full months of DWP benefits, if a family applies for DWP during the last few days of the month. If the family decides to withdraw the application for the current month, obtain a written statement from the applicant stating that the application is being withdrawn for the current month, but the family wants cash benefits determined on the 1st of the next month. Do NOT require a new application. Do not delay an application for SNAP. If it appears that the applicant needs Child Care Assistance and has not completed a Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program Application (DHS-3550) (PDF) or requested Child Care Assistance through an ApplyMN application, explain the advantages of completing an application for Child Care Assistance before the end of the interview.

Follow the MFIP notice requirements when issuing a notice confirming the withdrawal. See 0026 (Notices).

SNAP: Combined Application Forms (CAF) are also available at Social Security Administration offices. Clients may submit a CAF at the Social Security Administration.