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FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
APPLICATIONS FNS 440 APPLICATION DISPOSITION
FNS 440 Change #02-2022 March 1, 2022 440.04 THIRD-PARTY FAILURE TO COOPERATE Do not deny an application on the processing due date if you become aware that a third party fails or refuses to provide requested verification. Best available information, including client’s statement, may be used when the FNS unit has both requested assistance in obtaining verifications and the third party has failed or refused to provide the requested verification. In these situations, take the following steps: A. Consult with the household to determine the best available information. B. If different from information provided on application, obtain a signed statement from the FNS unit member regarding the information needed. Otherwise, the signed application or recertification form are considered a signed statement. C. Attempt to obtain the statement no later than the application-processing due date but allow ten days for the household to provide the statement. D. Upon receipt of the signed statement, approve or deny assistance. 440.05 REOPENING A DENIED APPLICATION Reopen an FNS application that was denied for failure to provide verification if the denial was caused by applicant delay, and the FNS unit provides all necessary applicant-responsible information within 60 calendar days from the original application date. Take the following steps to reopen and process the application within five calendar days of receipt of the required information: A. Use the original FNS application. Do not require the FNS unit to sign a new application. B. Determine eligibility. C. If eligible and the verification is provided in the second 30 days, change the date of application to the date the information is received by the agency and authorize benefits. D. An expedited service application with postponed verifications is considered a terminated case upon closure. The terminated case cannot be reopened. This is not a denial; therefore, the household must reapply for benefits. E. Applications denied for other reasons such as but not limited to student status, disqualifications, over income, etc. cannot be reopened unless the application was denied due to agency error. The household must reapply for benefits.