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401.1 TANF MANUAL 7/20 Page 2c

2. At no time should the application remain pending beyond 60 days after the application received date. The VaCMS will automatically deny applications not processed (certified and authorized) by the 60th day after the application received date.

If action is not taken within the 30-day processing standard, the EW must document the case to explain the cause for delay and the applicant must be notified via the notice of action of the status of his application, the reason for delay, and his right to appeal. Additionally, the EW will need to enter the reason for the delay – client or agency caused - in VaCMS on the 30th calendar day following the date of application. This will ensure that the case is correctly identified in the monthly timely processing statistics.

Each application must be disposed of by a decision of eligibility or ineligibility, supported by the facts recorded in the case record and on the appropriate comment screens in VaCMS.

Exception: Applications disposed of for reasons other than approval or denial will be treated in accordance with the provisions of Section 401.1(J), Disposition of Application under Special Conditions.

Upon action to approve or deny an application, the applicant must be notified immediately that assistance has been authorized, including the amount of the money payment, or that his application has been denied. The notice must include a statement of the reasons for the action and an explanation of the individual's right to appeal. The Notice of Action must be used to notify the applicant of approval, denial, or delay beyond the time standard.

TANF Transmittal 68