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Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services July 7, 2018 Human & Community Services Page 2 of 4 Gathering Information Eligibility Specialists must use interviewing skills and application materials to make a decision on eligibility. Information provided by the family must be verified with corroborative documents and/or statements from third parties (i.e., employers, landlords, relatives, etc.). Collateral Contact The Eligibility Specialist must assist the client in obtaining information if necessary i.e. obtaining work verification or providing resources to clients on how to obtain necessary information. The collateral contact must be willing to put the information in writing and sign to the validity of the information. Application Application is made by completing the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Application Packet and submitting it to the Child Care Resource and Referral [CCR&R] agency. The eligibility begin date occurs when a completed application is on file. Timely Processing – 30 days At the time the initial application is submitted, the parent completes the application and returns it to the CCR&R office by appointment or by mail. The CCR&R staff must review the application packet within 7 business days of submission to ensure timely processing. The Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Application Form is good for 30 calendar days from the date it is received [date stamped] in the CCR&R office. A completed application packet with verifications must be received by the 30th calendar day unless an extension has been provided. 15 Day Extension The CCR&R must automatically offer the applicant one 15 calendar day extension to submit required documentation when that documentation is in the possession of a third party. This extension may be used more than once per calendar year on a case-by-case basis determined by the Eligibility Specialist. See the Early Childhood Services Bureau [ECSB] Procedure Handbook for processing. Incomplete Applications If the application packet is not complete in the time allotted, the CCR&R shall deny the application. The applicant will not have to complete a new application form if the missing documents are provided within 30 calendar days after the denial. The CCR&R must ensure that applicable extensions are offered to the applicant. Presumptive Eligibility Presumptive eligibility will begin the day the application is date stamped in the CCR&R office. Presumptive eligibility provides the child care provider some assurance of payment for initial services. Presumptive eligibility is an option at any time an application is submitted and a case is not already open. Presumptive eligibility is not available during annual redetermination. If the Eligibility Specialist finds out that the applicant has not completed the application process in repeated, subsequent application submissions for purposes of receiving presumptive eligibility, the CCR&R Eligibility Specialist has the option to deny presumptive eligibility based on the apparent misuse of the benefit with approval by their supervisor. ECSB must be notified if presumptive eligibility is denied by a CCR&R for repeated misuse. No overpayment is due if the