Page 3

Subject: Families First Application Process

Policy 23.01 Date of Last Review: 06/26/2024 Effective Date: 07/01/2024 Date of Next Review: 06/26/2027 RDA: SW22 Page 3 of 7 2. A customer who misses an interview will not be automatically scheduled for a second (2nd) interview. An application that is pending will be denied on the forty-fifth (45th) calendar day if the customer does not reschedule a missed interview. 3. If eligible, the AU will have the opportunity to renew benefits annually. a. The eligibility and case management system will provide an appointment notice to the AU the month before the AU renewal is due. The notice will contain HS-3026 Family Assistance Renewal Application. b. The renewal application must be received by TDHS before the renewal interview can be conducted. c. If the customer does not complete an application and/or misses their renewal interview, the case must be closed on or before the fifteenth (15th) of the month. Interviewing for Eligibility The customer or the customer’s designee must complete an interactive interview with the eligibility staff at each application. The initial interview cannot be completed by phone unless the face-to-face interview has been waived due to a barrier. At annual renewal, the interview can be completed face-to-face or by phone. Home visits are not mandatory but may be used when no alternative accommodations can be made or are appropriate for the situation. The interviews are designed to: 1. Allow the eligibility staff to assist the customer in understanding TDHS and its programs, clarify the customer’s questions about eligibility, and determine eligibility in an organized manner while allowing the customer the opportunity to present information in their own words. 2. Allow the eligibility staff and the customer an opportunity to discuss the customer’s goals, specific needs, and potential support services needed to help the family move towards self- sufficiency. 3. Provide the opportunity to discuss the customer’s rights and responsibilities. 4. Provide an opportunity to discuss other resources that may be of assistance to the customer. 5. Provide the eligibility counselor with the information needed to determine which one (1) of the four (4) paths through the program is most appropriate for the customer. a. Child Only b. Work Exempt c. Diversion d. Work and/or Educational Activity Note: A single interview may be conducted for all Family Assistance programs. If there are multiple AUs in the residence group, the head of each AU must be interviewed. Determination of Eligibility The following must be established during the application process: