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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 4 of 7 1. Technical Eligibility as outlined in policy 23.03 Families First Technical Eligibility. 2. Income Eligibility as outlined in policy 23.05 Families First Income Eligibility 3. Resource Eligibility as outlined in policy 23.04 Families First Resource Eligibility. 4. The Personal Responsibility Plan as outlined in policy 23.07 Families First Personal Responsibility Plans. 5. If the customer fails or refuses to cooperate in the eligibility determination process, it will result in case closure or application denial. Providing Notice of Eligibility Determination The eligibility and case management system will generate a notice to the customer on the first (1st) business day following the day the Families First AU has been authorized. 1. The reason for the approval/denial will generate the text for the approval or denial notice of the Families First AU. 2. The denial notice will contain an explanation of why the application was denied and of the right to reapply at any time. 3. The approval notice will contain: a. The ongoing monthly benefit amount and the amount for the application period. b. The month the cash payment will begin. c. A reminder to report changes within ten (10) calendar days of the change. 4. A fair hearing statement is included with all notices. The fair hearing statement contains a name and telephone number of the person to contact for additional information. If there is an individual or organization that provides free legal representation, the AU will be advised of the availability of that service. Reapplication after Denial If an AU files an application within three (3) months of case closure or the denial of an application: 1. The customer must be interviewed and have all points of eligibility reviewed. 2. All matches must be reviewed. 3. Verify the following factors of eligibility: a. That the point(s) of eligibility which caused the previous denial or closure no longer exists; b. AU composition; c. Income; d. Deductible expenses; and e. Resources, if questionable. 4. Review the need for drug screening as outlined in policy 23.06 Families First Drug Testing.