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MISSISSIPPI [ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION PROCESS: THE APPLICATION PROCESS]

Revised 07-01-17

Assistance in Providing Information The applicant is the primary source of information about the eligibility of himself or the budget group; however, all eligibility factors must be verified and other sources may be contacted. The applicant has the right to the assistance, if he desires, of an individual of his choice in the various aspects of the application process. Also, the county eligibility worker must make a reasonable effort to assist an applicant who is incapable of understanding or following through on his role of establishing eligibility by: 1. Determining whether there is some family member or close friend who can understand the steps normally required of the applicant and who will take over for him. If so, the worker will explain to this individual what is needed and the time limits within which it must be furnished. 2. Take steps for the applicant when there is no one else who can assist him. The decision as to the worker's responsibility for follow-up depends upon the individual circumstances of the applicant and the type of follow-up required. Explanations Required The worker must clearly explain to the applicant: 1. The eligibility requirements for the type of assistance involved. Informational pamphlets must be provided to the applicant 2. That he may choose the program under which he will apply. The worker must clearly explain the advantages of all benefits/programs to the applicant. 3. The agency's standard of promptness in acting on applications and the date that a notice of denial or benefit availability can be expected. Emphasize that the more promptly the individual responds with all requested information, the sooner the application can be completed. The Mississippi Debit MasterCard Program Recipient Information Sheet, MDHS-EA-303A, should be given to the applicant. 4. An individual's right to a fair hearing and the procedure for requesting a hearing. The MDHS-EA-304, Hearings Pamphlet, should be given to the individual.