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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES APPLICATION PROCESSING

10/24 VOLUME V, PART II, PAGE 5

1. An explanation of basic program procedures, including the local agency's responsibilities and application processing time frames. Include an explanation of the issuance process and use of SNAP benefits, as outlined in Part I.C.

2. An explanation of the options available to the household and the advantages and disadvantages of each choice. Include an explanation that the utility standard, homeless shelter standard and medical standard deductions will be used, if appropriate, unless the household opts to use actual amounts. If actual amounts are used, discuss the choice to have expenses averaged or counted only in the month billed.

3. A verbal and written explanation of the household's rights and responsibilities. Include an explanation of the consequences if these responsibilities are not met. Include an explanation of the consequences of voluntarily quitting employment.

4. An explanation that the agency may receive information through the Income and Eligibility Verification System (IEVS) or that the agency will access other computer systems. The agency will use and verify the information. Information that the agency receives may affect the household's eligibility and benefit level.

5. A discussion of appropriate collection actions for households that owe outstanding payments on claims.

In all instances, the agency must respect the household's right to privacy; the BPS must conduct the interview as a confidential discussion of household circumstances. The scope of the interview may not extend beyond the examination of household circumstances that directly relate to the determination of household eligibility.

If the BPS does not conduct the interview on the day the applicant files an application, the agency must schedule an interview. For applications and reapplications, the local agency must schedule interviews as promptly as possible to ensure eligible households receive an opportunity to participate within seven days, if expedited, or within 30 days after the household files an application. The agency should schedule the interview no later than 20 days after the application filing date for households that are not entitled to expedited processing. The BPS must allow households a minimum of 10 days to provide information after the interview is scheduled.

If the household does not respond to the scheduled telephone interview or fails to appear for the scheduled office interview, the local agency must send the household the Missed Interview Notice. The notice advises the household to reschedule the interview and that the agency will deny the application if the household does not reschedule the interview. The agency needs to send the notice after the first missed interview appointment only.

The agency must deny the application on the 30th day after the application filing date if the household does not request another interview. If the household requests a second interview during the initial 30-day period, the agency must not deny the application. If the household is eligible for benefits, the agency must issue prorated benefits from the application date.

The agency must not deny the application on the 30th day if the agency has not scheduled the interview before the 30th day. In addition, the agency must not deny the application on the 30th day

TRANSMITTAL #35