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S N A P M A N U A L

33 3 . 4 F I L I N G A N A P P L I C A T I O N F O R S N A P (1) Household's right to file Households must file SNAP applications by submitting the forms to the SNAP office either:

A. in person, B. through an authorized representative, C. by fax or other electronic transmission, D. by mail, E. by completing an on-line electronic application; or F. by completing a telephonic application.

Applications signed through the use of electronic signature techniques or applications containing a handwritten signature and then transmitted by fax or other electronic transmission are acceptable. Any responsible household member may file the application for the household. The Agency must document the date the application is received and register the application in the SC Worker Input Network and Support (SCWINS) System. The date of application is the date the application is actually received, or the next business day if it is submitted outside normal business hours. For telephonic applications, the date of application is the date on which the household member provides verbal assent. The length of time the Agency has to deliver benefits is calculated from the date the application is filed in the SNAP office designated by the Agency to accept the household's application.

Each household has the right to file an application form on the same day it contacts the SNAP office during office hours. The household will be advised that it does not have to be interviewed before filing the application and may file an incomplete application form as long as the form contains the applicant's name and address and is signed by a responsible member of the household or the household's authorized representative. Regardless of the type of application system used, the Agency must provide a means for all applicants applying through any mechanism to immediately begin the application process by filing an application with only the name, address and signature. (2) Contacting the SNAP office The Agency will encourage households to file an application form the same day the household or its representative contacts the SNAP office in person or by telephone and expresses interest in obtaining SNAP assistance or expresses concerns which indicate food insecurity. If the Agency attempts to discourage households from applying for cash assistance, it will make clear that the disadvantages and requirements of applying for cash assistance do not apply to SNAP benefits. In addition, it will encourage applicants to continue with their application for SNAP benefits.