All Programs

Staff should encourage households to file an application the same day the household or its representative contacts the office and shows interest in assistance. This includes contacts by phone, mail, fax or in person. Staff should explain how to file an application. Application forms are also available at YourTexasBenefits.com . They can be downloaded, printed and electronically submitted.

The file date is the day HHSC receives an application form which has the applicant's name, address and appropriate signature. This is day zero in the application process. Staff use this as the file date to determine eligibility for the programs the household requests upon filing the application through the time of the interview.

For applications submitted by phone through 2-1-1, the file date is the date the applicant submits the application with the applicant's name, address and telephonic signature.

The file date is the date the applicant clicks the Submit Application button in YourTexasBenefits.com, for electronically filed applications.

Exception : The file date is the next business day for all applications received outside of business hours when HHSC is closed, including weekends and holidays.

The household must file another application form to apply for more programs after the interview is held. This is even if the case was pended and is not completed at the time of the request for a new program.

Exception : If the household requests three months prior Medicaid coverage, staff should use an existing application. The file date of the application used should correspond with the three-month prior period to determine eligibility.

Once an application is filed, staff must take the following actions:

enter the file date in the appropriate section on the application form, if received as a paper document;

screen the application for expedited service eligibility for SNAP and TP 40;

give the household Form H1800, Receipt for Application/Medicaid Report/Verification/Report of Change , on request;

register the application when required; and

schedule an interview appointment for the applicant when required as soon as possible.

Refer to special procedures in this section to determine the file date for TP 40, TP 40 Continuous Coverage and TP 45 Retroactive Coverage.