1125.015.00 Changes Reported on a Pending Application/Date of Discovery – DSS Manuals

IM-50 June 4, 2007 ; IM-97 August 31, 2005 ; IM-27 March 19, 2004

Evaluate changes in circumstances, on pending initial applications correctly screened as non-expedited at application, which become known to FSD to determine whether expedited service criteria is met. The change may be reported by the EU or discovered via information obtained from another source, such as employer contact. To qualify for expedited services, the change must affect expedited eligibility for the month the application was originally screened for expedited services.

Enter the change into the appropriate screens in FAMIS and run a new eligibility determination (EDRES). FAMIS determines if the change results in qualification for expedited services, and sets the action of APEX (approval for expedite) on the Action Authorization (FM3H) screen. Authorize the APEX action and issue the expedited benefit. If the application date is different from the date of the APEX action, the message “Expedited Issuance-Check Discovery Date” appears on the Action Authorization (FM3H) screen to alert eligibility specialists to check the discovery date. Prior to authorizing the benefit, review and enter the correct discovery date in the Date of Discovery field. Record a comment if the discovery date is different from the application date on the Action Authorization (FM3H) screen. Refer to the Timely Delivery of Expedited Food Stamp Benefits for assistance.

FAMIS displays the message “Invalid Discovery Date” on the Action Authorization (FM3H) screen when no entry is made in the Date of Discovery field, the authorization date is other that the date of application, and the eligibility specialist tries to authorize. Enter the correct date of discovery and authorize the action.

If the APEX action is not authorized by the eligibility specialist, FAMIS authorizes the action during the overnight batch process. The date of discovery defaults to the date of application and will not be updated.

EXAMPLE : Mr. Smith initially applies for food stamps on 6/10. He is screened for expedited services at the time of application and does not meet expedited criteria. On 6/16, he reports he was laid off work on 6/12. He will receive only three paychecks totaling $391.50 in June and has no liquid resources. Mr. Smith’s shelter costs of $424 now exceed his monthly gross income and resources. His application must be expedited for June with a date of discovery of 6/16 and he must receive his benefits by 6/23. The eligibility specialist enters 06/16 in the Date of Discovery field on the Action Authorization (FM3H) screen. Record information regarding the date of discovery on the comment screen from the Action Authorization (FM3H) screen.

EXAMPLE : Mr. Smith’s case was closed on 7/15, after he received July benefits. He applies on 7/20. He does not meet expedited services criteria on the date of application as he was called back to work in July. On 8/2, he reports he was laid off again and will only receive one paycheck of $185 in August. His application is re-evaluated and his shelter expenses of $424 now exceed his income. He qualifies for expedited services for the first month of the new certification period, August. He must receive his benefits by 8/9. The seven-day time frame is used as the first work day of the new certification period passed. Enter 8/2 as the date of discovery on the Action Authorization (FM3H) screen. Record information regarding the date of discovery on the comment screen from the Action Authorization (FM3H) screen.