1.
GENERAL RULE
All households have the right to file an application for
SNAP benefits. Households are encouraged to file the application the same day
they express an interest in applying. SNAP benefits will be calculated from the
date of application (Section
999-1)
.
2.
REQUESTS
A. To start the application process, the
requesting household must file an application, and at minimum:
(1) Provide the applicant's name and address;
and
NOTE: The address need not be a specific
street address; i.e., an individual experiencing homelessness may simply list a
town or region of the state.
(2) sign the application.
B. TANF applicants are given the
opportunity to apply for SNAP benefits at the same time they apply for
TANF.
C. SSI applicants/recipients,
including those residing in public institutions (Section
999-1), are allowed to
apply for SNAP through the Social Security Office. The Social Security Office
shall forward all completed SNAP applications to the Department for eligibility
determination. The Department shall screen applications for completeness,
verification, and expedited service. A second interview by the Department is
not required.
D. Maine residents in
a state or county correctional facility within Maine are allowed to apply for
SNAP within 30 days prior to their anticipated release date.
3.
DUPLICATE
PARTICIPATION
Individuals cannot be included as members in more than
one SNAP household in the same month. This restriction also applies to
individuals moving from one state to another.
Dual participation in SNAP and the Food Distribution
Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) is prohibited. (See Section
999-1, page 3 for
additional information.)
EXCEPTION: Individuals who reside in
shelters for battered persons (Section
444-6)
.
4.
APPLICATION
STEPS
A. The Department shall provide
applications to individuals who request them the same day they are
requested.
B. The Department shall
assist in completion of applications upon request.
C. The Department shall interview a
responsible member of the household or an authorized representative as detailed
in Section
222-4.
D. The Household must verify information as
detailed in Section
222-5.
E. The Department shall process necessary
documents to authorize receipt of SNAP benefits.
NOTE: The household may, at any time,
voluntarily withdraw the application. The Department shall document in the case
record that the household wanted to withdraw and, if appropriate, the reason
for withdrawal.
F. To
determine eligibility, the application form and applicable supplements must be
completed and signed. If the household refuses to cooperate in any of the steps
above, the application is denied at the time of refusal. For a determination of
refusal to be made, the household must be able to cooperate, but clearly
demonstrate that they will not take actions they can take and that are required
to complete the application process;
G. The Department shall determine the
household to be ineligible if they refuse to cooperate in any subsequent review
of their eligibility.
Once denied or terminated for refusal to cooperate, the
household is not eligible until they cooperate.
