10 CCR 2506-1-4.201 - APPLICATION PROCESSING

A. Local offices shall not apply additional conditions or processing requirements that are beyond those prescribed by State SNAP rules. The application process includes the filing and completion of an application form, being interviewed, and verifying certain information. Signs shall be posted in certification offices that explain the application processing standards and the right to file an application on the day of initial contact. Similar information about same-day filing shall be included in outreach materials and on the application form.

B. The local office shall act promptly on all applications and provide SNAP benefits retroactive to the month of application to those households that have completed the application process and have been determined to be eligible.

C. Applications will be screened as they are filed, or as individuals come in to apply, to determine eligibility for expedited service or for normal processing. Applicants entitled to expedited service shall be informed immediately and given a same-day interview, whenever possible. Those eligible for expedited processing shall be served in accordance with Sections 4.205.1 and 4.205.11 while those eligible for normal processing shall be served in accordance with Section 4.205.2 . Local offices shall not conduct any pre-eligibility screening process prior to securing the date of application.

D. The household may voluntarily withdraw its application at any time prior to a determination of eligibility. Once a determination of eligibility is made, the household may voluntarily terminate its participation. Any reason given by the household for withdrawal or termination shall be documented in the case file. A Notice of Action form, indicating voluntary withdrawal of application or voluntary termination of participation, shall be sent to the household within ten (10) calendar days of the decision, to confirm the action taken. The household shall be advised of its right to reapply at any time after withdrawal.

E. No household shall have its SNAP benefits denied solely based on its application to participate in another program being denied or its benefits under another program being terminated, without a separate determination by the local office that a household failed to satisfy a SNAP eligibility requirement.

F. Households denied SNAP that have an SSI application pending shall be informed on the notice of denial of the possibility of categorical eligibility if they become SSI recipients. Residents of public institutions who apply jointly for SSI and SNAP benefits prior to their release from the institution shall not be eligible for SNAP until the individual has been released from the public institution.

G. Local offices shall record in the automated system racial and ethnic data provided by an applicant household. The purpose of obtaining this information is not to affect the eligibility or the level of benefits, but rather to ensure that SNAP benefits are distributed without regard to race, color, or national origin. In those instances when the information is not provided voluntarily by the household on the application form, the local office shall use alternative means of collecting the ethnic and racial data on households, such as by observation during the interview. Under no circumstance should an eligibility worker challenge or change a self-declaration made by a household member.

Notes

10 CCR 2506-1-4.201

37 CR 15, August 10, 2014, effective 9/1/2014 37 CR 21, November 10,2014, effective 12/1/2014 38 CR 23, December 10, 2015, effective 1/1/2016 39 CR 01, January 10, 2016, effective 2/1/2016 39 CR 05, March 10, 2016, effective 4/1/2016 39 CR 07, April 10, 2016, effective 5/1/2016 39 CR 15, August 10, 2016, effective 9/1/2016 39 CR 17, September 10, 2016, effective 10/1/2016 39 CR 19, October 10, 2016, effective 11/1/2016 39 CR 23, December 10, 2016, effective 1/1/2017 40 CR 11, June 10, 2017, effective 7/1/2017 40 CR 17, September 10, 2017, effective 10/1/2017 41 CR 15, August 10, 2018, effective 9/1/2018 40 CR 23, December 10, 2017, effective 12/30/2018 42 CR 01, January 10, 2019, effective 2/1/2019 42 CR 03, February 10, 2019, effective 3/15/2019 42 CR 17, September 10, 2019, effective 10/1/2019 42 CR 18, October 10, 2019, effective 10/1/2019 42 CR 23, December 10, 2019, effective 12/30/2019 43 CR 01, January 10, 2020, effective 1/30/2020 43 CR 05, March 10, 2020, effective 2/7/2020 43 CR 07, April 10, 2020, effective 4/30/2020 43 CR 21, November 10, 2020, effective 11/30/2020 44 CR 21, November 10, 2021, effective 11/30/2021 45 CR 05, March 10, 2022, effective 3/30/2022 45 CR 19, October 10, 2022, effective 10/1/2022 45 CR 19, October 10, 2022, effective 11/1/2022 45 CR 21, November 10, 2022, effective 11/30/2022