New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 10 - HUMAN SERVICES
Chapter 87 - NEW JERSEY SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (NJ SNAP) MANUAL
Subchapter 2 - THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Section 10:87-2.13 - Filing an application
Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024
(a) The CWAs shall utilize an application form approved by the Division of Family Development. The application shall prominently contain understandable terms that benefits will be subject to verification by Federal, State and local officials to determine that the information is factual and that incorrect information can lead to denial and may subject the applicant to criminal prosecution for knowingly providing incorrect information, as well as civil and criminal provisions and penalties. In addition, the front page shall provide space for the applicant to write his or her name, address and signature; a clear statement of the household's right to immediately file an application; and notice that benefits are provided from date of application.
(b) Households must file an NJ SNAP application by submitting the appropriate form to the NJ SNAP office in person, through an authorized representative, by mail, by data-faxing or electronically. The amount of time for the CWA to deliver benefits is calculated from the date the application is filed in the NJ SNAP office designated to accept the household's application (see 10:87-2.26 and 2.27). Households subject to SSI joint processing (see 10:87-2.12(a)3 ) must file an NJ SNAP application by submitting the appropriate form to the SSA/DO in person, through an authorized representative, or by mail. The amount of time for the CWA to deliver benefits is calculated from the date the application is filed in the SSA/DO designated to accept the household's application (see 10:87-2.26) . Residents of public institutions who jointly apply for NJ SNAP benefits and SSI under SSA's Prerelease Program for the Institutionalized shall have their date of release from the institution considered as the date of application for NJ SNAP purposes.
(c) Each household has the right to file an application during office hours of the same day it contacts the NJ SNAP office within the county of its residence. The household shall be advised that it does not have to be interviewed before filing the application and may file an incomplete application.
(d) The CWA shall encourage households to file an application the same day the household or its representative contacts the certification office, in person or by telephone, and expresses interest in obtaining NJ SNAP assistance or indicates food insecurity. The CWA shall inform households that receiving NJ SNAP benefits will have no bearing on the time limits that apply to any other program and shall inform households that the requirements associated with applying for cash assistance do not apply for the NJ SNAP program.
(e) The CWA shall make application forms readily accessible to potentially eligible households and those groups and organizations involved in outreach efforts. The CWA shall also provide an application form or on-line copy of the application form for electronic filing to anyone who requests this form. Electronic signature techniques and hand-written signatures transmitted electronically are acceptable for signature identification.
(f) The CWAs shall post signs in each certification office which explain the application processing standards and the right to file an application on the day of initial contact. The CWA shall include similar information about same day filing in outreach materials.
(g) The household may voluntarily withdraw its application at any time prior to the determination of eligibility. The CWA shall document in the case record the reason for withdrawal, if any was stated by the household, and that contact was made with the household to confirm the withdrawal. The household shall be advised of its right to reapply at any time subsequent to the withdrawal.