Page 25

18

application and the date it is due. The applicant will have 10 working days to provide the information, after 30 days, their application shall be considered void and will be denied.

5.2 DSS Employee Applications To avoid conflict of interest, ensure privacy, and protect the agency from potential fraud, all applications received for DSS employees MUST be processed by an EA Supervisor, Regional Manager, Program Specialist, or Program Administrator. Additionally, a second supervisor must review the eligibility determination. The second supervisor could be a supervisor in another office, Regional Manager, Program Administrator, etc.

When the recipient is no longer a DSS employee, the case can return to normal processing guidelines at the next renewal.

In addition, EABS will not process benefits for relatives, close friends, or any person where there is a real or perceived conflict of interest. The Benefits Specialist must notify the EA Supervisor prior to starting the application process or accepting responsibility for an on-going record.

5.3 Authorized Representatives and Authorization to Release Information Forms Individuals may choose to designate an individual or organization to act on their behalf or may have such a representative through operation of state law (e.g., through a legal guardianship arrangement). The state may not allow authorized representatives only for certain groups of applicants or beneficiaries.

The agency must allow individuals the choice to have an authorized representative assist in the application process or during a renewal of eligibility. Applicants or recipients can designate an authorized representative on the application or renewal form, which allows that person to: • Discuss the application with DSS. • See the applicant or recipient’s information; and • Act for the applicant or recipient on matters related to the application, including getting information about the application and signing the application on their behalf.

Authorized representatives are not automatically entitled to receive notices and forms for the applicant/recipient unless the applicant/recipient has requested this and: • submitted proof that the individual is legally appointed (e.g., a POA or guardian); or • completed an DSS-EA-211 Authorization to Release Information form and noted which items may be shared with the authorized representative.

Authorized representatives who are not legally appointed or for which there is not a DSS-EA-211 Authorization to Release Information must provide proof of identity, or they should not be listed as an authorized representative. A copy should be kept on file.

5.4 Timely Determination of CCA Eligibility The time period in which every applicant is entitled to a determination of eligibility is 30 calendar days. Timely determination of eligibility applies to all CCA applications received through all modalities.

When there is an administrative or other emergency beyond the agency’s control, the agency must document the reason for delay in the case record. The agency must not use the time standards as a waiting period before determining eligibility, or as a waiting period before determining eligibility, or as a reason for denying eligibility (because it has not determined eligibility within the time standards).

5.4.1 Failure to Supply Required Information As a condition of eligibility, an individual applying for or receiving CCA must provide the information necessary to establish eligibility. CCA allows customers 10 days to provide required verifications. If an