Page 2

Subject: SNAP Application Processing

Policy 24.02 Date of Last Review: 11/30/2023 Effective Date: 12/01/2022 Date of Next Review: 11/30/2026 RDA: SW22 Page 2 of 20 Filing an Application 1. Applications can be filed in person, by an authorized representative, by a person’s legally appointed guardian by mail, online, by fax, or other electronic transmission. 2. Applications shall be made in person at a TDHS office or online. 3. Any person inquiring about making application for SNAP and Families First (FF) shall have the right of same-day filing. 4. The county shall provide an application to anyone requesting one. 5. If an application is filed, the date of application shall be recorded on the application form. 6. The application file date will be the date the application is received by the county office during normal business hours either by mail, in person, by fax, or other electronic transmission. TDHS will designate the date the application was received as the next business day for applications received outside of normal business hours. 7. Online, faxed, or other electronic transmission applications that contain the applicant’s name, address, and signature are acceptable. 8. Receipt of an original application in addition to the online, faxed, or other electronic transmission application is not required. 9. The applicant shall also be advised that he/she does not have to be interviewed before filing an application. For SNAP, an application will be accepted as long as the form contains the applicant’s name, address, and the signature of either a responsible member of the household or the household’s authorized representative. 10.If the household has contacted the county office by telephone but does not wish to come to the office to file the application that same day and instead prefers receiving an application through the mail, the county shall mail an application to the household on the same day the written request or telephone call is received. 11.Applications will be mailed to a SNAP household when benefit renewal appointments are scheduled. a. The completed application must be returned to the county office before the customer can be interviewed to re-determine eligibility. b. If the household does not return the application and does not keep the scheduled appointment; allow the SNAP case to close automatically at the end of the certification period. 12.If a county has designated certification offices to serve specific areas of the county, applicants may at times contact (in person or by telephone) the wrong office. If so, the wrong office must still assist the applicant as follows: a. Advise the applicant of same day filing and mailing of an application. b. Give the applicant the address and telephone number of the correct or appropriate office.