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Each individual shall have the opportunity to apply for public assistance programs administered by the HCA or to have an authorized representative do so on their behalf. Paper application forms must be readily accessible in the ISD local office lobby and provided to any person who requests the form. Applications are made in a format prescribed by the HCA to include paper forms or electronic submissions. All forms and notices will be accessible to individuals with limited-English proficiency or disabilities. ISD will post signs in local field offices which explain the application processing standards and the right to file an application on the day of initial contact.
A. Screening: Every applicant shall have the opportunity to meet, face to face or telephonically, with ISD when an application is submitted during regular business hours. ISD will review the application, assist the applicant in completing the application, if it is incomplete or assistance is otherwise necessary, and will assist in identifying the public assistance program(s) for which the applicant wishes to apply.
(1) Screening for supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) expedited service: ISD will screen SNAP applicants for entitlement to expedited processing, using the standard formula and documenting the application, at the time the household requests assistance.
(a) If the applicant is eligible for expedited service, the SNAP application will be processed in accordance with 8.139.110.16 NMAC.
(b) If expedited SNAP processing is denied, the applicant will be informed of the right to request an agency review conference to be held within two days of the request unless the household requests a later date pursuant to Paragraph (4) of Subsection E of 8.100.970.10 NMAC.
(2) Proof checklist: ISD shall provide each household at the time of application for certification and recertification with a notice that informs the household of the verification requirements the household must meet as part of the application process. The notice shall also inform the household of ISD’s responsibility to assist the household in obtaining required verification provided the household is cooperating with ISD as specified in 7 C.F.R. 273.2(d)(1) and Section F of 8.139.110.11 NMAC. The notice shall be written in clear and simple language and shall meet the bilingual requirements designated in 7 C.F.R. 272.4(b) . At a minimum, the notice shall contain examples of the types of documents the household should provide and explain the period of time the documents should cover.
(3) Scheduling the appointment: ISD must schedule an interview for all applicant households who are not interviewed on the day their application is received by ISD. An interview should be held within 10 working days from the date the application is received by ISD and, to the extent possible, convenient for both the applicant and ISD. To the extent practicable, ISD must schedule the interview to accommodate the needs of groups with special circumstances, including working households. ISD must schedule all interviews as promptly as possible to ensure eligible households receive an opportunity to participate within 30 days after the application is filed. ISD will send an appointment letter for an interview that includes contact information for ISD, date, time and place of the appointment. ISD must notify each household that misses its interview appointment that it missed the scheduled interview and that the household is responsible for rescheduling a missed interview. If the household contacts ISD within the 30-day application processing period, ISD must schedule a second interview. ISD may not deny a household's application prior to the 30th day after application if the household fails to appear for the first scheduled interview. If the household requests a second interview during the 30-day application processing period and is determined eligible, ISD must issue prorated benefits from the date of application.
B. Alternative interviews: Specific requirements for telephone and out of office interviews are outlined in each program's chapter on this topic.
C. Screening applications received by alternative means: ISD will screen applications for all public assistance programs and for expedited SNAP eligibility which includes applications received by alternative means. Alternative means include mail, fax, online, electronic transmission, or through an authorized representative.
[8.100.110.8 NMAC - Rp 8.100.110.8 NMAC, 7/1/2024]