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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES APPLICATION PROCESSING

10/25 VOLUME V, PART II, APPENDIX II, PAGE 2

Upon receipt of the VaCAP application, the LDSS must screen the application to ensure: • application is signed; • the applicant is not already participating in SNAP (eligibility system inquiry); and • the applicant is not disqualified from participating in SNAP (eDRS inquiry).

VaCAP applications are not screened for expedited processing nor screened for death and incarceration. Death and incarceration are routinely reported in the SDX data.

If shelter expenses are not marked on the application, the LDSS must process the application using the lower shelter expense.

VaCAP participants may request that their VaCAP case be closed in order to apply for regular SNAP benefits. Participants receiving regular SNAP benefits may request that their case be changed to VaCAP if it is determined they meet all of the VaCAP criteria except for not currently receiving SNAP.

VaCAP Interview Procedures:

Unless the applicant requests help with the application, there is no certification interview.

VaCAP Verification:

The SDX provides verification of eligibility factors so no further verification is needed. The applicant’s declaration of shelter costs is used.

VaCAP Allotment:

The applicant’s declaration of monthly shelter expenses will be used to determine the SNAP benefit amount. • High benefit - $198 - shelter expenses total $500 or more • Low benefit - $128 - shelter expenses total $499 or less

Eligibility begins the first day of the month an application is received. There is no proration of benefits based on the application date.

VaCAP Certification:

The certification period for cases will be 36 months.

VaCAP Change Reporting:

Households are not required to report changes. Updates through the SDX satisfy SNAP reporting requirements. If a VaCAP participant reports a change that impacts the household’s eligibility for VaCAP or benefit amount, the LDSS must act on the change.

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