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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES APPLICATION PROCESSING

10/24 VOLUME V, PART II, PAGE 13

If the BPS approves the TANF application after the SNAP certification period begins, the BPS may lengthen the SNAP certification period to coincide with the scheduled TANF case review. See Part IV.D.2. for a discussion about lengthening the certification period and the limitations on this process.

2. Application for SSI and SNAP benefits

Households that consist solely of SSI applicants or recipients may apply for SNAP benefits at the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office. SSA personnel will accept SNAP applications at each SSA office. Households must report that there is no SNAP application pending and that they are not current SNAP participants, unless the application is for recertification.

The SSA office and the local social services agency must take the following actions:

a. Whenever a member of a household consisting only of SSI applicants or recipients transacts business at an SSA office, the SSA office must inform the household of its right to apply for SNAP benefits at the SSA office without going to the local social services office. SSI applicants and recipients may apply at the local social services office if they choose to do so.

SSA staff must complete joint SSI and SNAP applications for residents of public institutions applying for benefits before their release from the institution. In such cases, the date of the SNAP application will be the date of release from the institution. If SSA or the household does not notify the local agency of the applicant's release date, the agency must restore benefits to the applicant back to the date of release.

b. Within one working day after receipt of a signed application, the SSA office must complete and forward the SNAP application to the local agency along with a transmittal form. The local agency must make an eligibility determination and provide an opportunity to participate within thirty days following the date the SSA office received the signed application. If the household is entitled to expedited service however, the processing time standards will begin on the date the correct local agency receives the application.

c. The local agency may not subject the household to an additional interview. In addition, the local agency may not contact the household in order to obtain additional information unless:

1) the application is improperly completed;

2) mandatory verification is missing;

3) information received is questionable as determined by the local agency; or,

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