30.15 Certification Notices.

A. No later than 30 days after the date of the initial application, applicants must receive either: 1. Notice of eligibility; 2. Notice of denial; or 3. Notice of pending status. B. Notice of eligibility: If an application is approved, MDHS will notify the household in writing of the amount of the allotment and the beginning and ending dates of the certification period. The household must also be advised of any variations in benefit levels based on anticipated changes. If the initial allotment includes more than 1 month’s benefits, the notice should indicate the monthly amount for the remainder of the certification period. The notice must also contain: 1. Fair hearing rights; 2. Toll-free number of the SNAP office and, if possible, the name of a person to contact for additional information; 3. An individual or organization that provides free legal representation; 4. A reminder of the household’s duty to report changes may also be included and the 5. Responsibility for applying for continued participation. 6. If approved for expedited services, the notice must explain that the household must provide the postponed verification and the consequences of failing to do so. C. Notice of denial: If an application is denied, the household must receive a notice that contains: 1. An explanation of the basis for the denial; 2. Fair hearing rights; 3. Toll-free number of the SNAP office and, if possible, the name of a person to contact for additional information; 4. An individual or organization that provides free legal representation; 5. Instructions to potentially categorically eligible households to contact MDHS if approved to receive public assistance and/or SSI benefits. D. Notice of Pending Status: MDHS pends all cases on the 30th day regardless of the reason for the delay. The notice will explain what action the household must still take and that the application will be denied if the household fails to take the required action within 60 days of the application filing date. E. Applications for Recertification: Households that have filed an application by the 15th of the last month of their certification period must be provided with either a notice of eligibility or a notice of denial if the household has complied with all of the recertification requirements. Source: 7 CFR §273.10(g) Revised: March 2022