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401.1 TANF MANUAL 5/17 Page 3

F. Method of Application - Applications may be made either electronically or in writing. Applications made electronically are made at https://commonhelp.virginia.gov. Written applications are made by submitting a signed Application for Benefits (032-03-0824). If the Application for Benefits is not signed, the signature must be obtained, or the application must be denied.

When the initial request is made in the local agency, the individual must be given the opportunity of completing his interview on the day assistance is requested. If an interactive interview cannot be conducted on the day assistance is requested, the agency must arrange an interview at the earliest date convenient to the applicant. If the applicant wishes, he may be given an Application for Benefits to complete elsewhere.

The applicant must be informed that if he withholds or gives false information which affects his eligibility for assistance that he is subject to the penalties of perjury.* It is important that the client understand fully his responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of his statements and the consequence if he withholds or gives false information.

G. Date of Application - The date of application is the date the signed Application for Benefits form is received by the local agency. If the application form is mailed in or brought in, the date of receipt by the agency must be stamped thereon to identify the date of application. In the case of an applicant who initially applies for another program then decides to also apply for TANF while the application for the other program is still pending, the date of application for the TANF benefits is the date the applicant requests TANF (not the date the application for the other program was provided).

1. Persons Added to an Ongoing Case

a. The date of application for adding a required unit member to an approved TANF case is:

1) the date the individual entered the home if it is reported timely; or 2) the date it is reported that the individual is in the home if not reported timely.

b. If the individual requesting to be added to an approved case is not a required unit member, the date of application is the date of the individual's request.

2. Persons Added to a Pending Application - When an individual is added to a pending application, the individual's date of application is the same as for the application already pending.

* Code of Virginia, Section 63.2-502

TANF Transmittal 61