Page 25

must be notified in writing of the application decision. Section 63.2-501 of the Code of Virginia was amended during the 2017 Session of the Virginia General Assembly. Effective July 1, 2017, LDSS shall obtain the applicant’s alternative contact information, in addition to the applicant’s best available address and telephone number such as email or cell phone number, and the applicant’s preferred method of contact, including direct mail, email or text message. Eligibility workers (EW) shall review the application for this information. The eligibility worker shall use the applicant’s preferred method of contact to communicate general information about the applicant’s eligibility for the AG Program. However, the EW is still required to mail the written Notice of Action (NOA) for AG to inform the individual of specific action on the case. Follow this guidance when communicating with the AG applicant: Email message guidance: Dear Jane.Doe@yahoo.com, An action was taken on Auxiliary Grant Case #123456. A written notice was mailed to your address on file. Please check your mail for the notice. This electronic communication may contain confidential or privileged information for an intended recipient. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Text message guidance: Written notice of action on your AG case has been mailed to your address on file. Please check your mail for this notice. Direct Mail guidance: