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______________________________________________________________________________ DIVISION OF WELFARE AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES Child Care Policy Manual attempt to resolve the issue prior to approving eligibility. The household must be provided an opportunity to resolve any discrepancy by providing proof or designating a suitable collateral source. The case manager must include case notes in the computer system regarding the clarification received. 132 Incoming Information All information signed and/or received from the client or third-party must be date-stamped with the date the Child Care office received the documentation. 133 Pending Information Benefits must not be approved if information required for the eligibility determination has not been received. Therefore, if all required proof cannot be furnished during the interview, the case manager must give the client a Request for Information (RFI) explaining what is needed, the date the information is due and the date the application will be denied/terminated if the information is not received. A copy of this form must be kept in the client’s eligibility case file even after the return of the requested information. The household must be allowed at least 10 calendar days to provide requested information. The day after the request date is the first day of the 10-day period. When the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date is the next working day. When a household or individual is attempting, but is unable to provide the information by the date specified in writing, the due date can be extended to allow time for the additional information as long as the contact is made prior to the expiration date of the RFI. The case manager must document the new due date and the reason for the extension in the case notes. Exceptions: • Victims of Domestic Violence approved for a fictitious address through the Secretary of State's CAP program must be allowed 20 calendar days to provide verifications due to mail forwarding. Refer to MS 200 for additional information on CAP. • Priority Population households who are attempting but unable to provide verification to establish eligibility will be allowed one 90-day period to comply with verification requirements. If all required information is provided, the client is notified in writing of the eligibility results. Refer to MS 140 for additional information on the disposition of application. If all required information is not provided or postmarked within the requested period, the case manager must deny the application immediately (additional notice is not required). Refer to MS 500 for information on pending verifications on reported changes after the case is approved. Note: Third party non-cooperation cannot cause the household to be ineligible. 140 DISPOSITION OF APPLICATION An eligibility decision must be made as quickly as possible but no later than 30 calendar days after a completed and signed application is received in the Child Care office. The day after the date the application is received in the office is the first day of the 30-day period. Exception: The case manager determines there are extenuating circumstances which necessitate the eligibility decision exceeding the 30-calendar day period. The reason must be documented in the computer system. 100-Program Overview [15] MTL 01/24 July 1, 2024