Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
Each individual shall have the opportunity to apply for
public assistance programs administered by the HCA or to have an authorized
representative do so on their behalf. Paper application forms must be readily
accessible in the ISD local office lobby and provided to any person who
requests the form. Applications are made in a format prescribed by the HCA to
include paper forms or electronic submissions. All forms and notices will be
accessible to individuals with limited-English proficiency or disabilities. ISD
will post signs in local field offices which explain the application processing
standards and the right to file an application on the day of initial
contact.
A. Screening: Every applicant
shall have the opportunity to meet, face to face or telephonically, with ISD
when an application is submitted during regular business hours. ISD will review
the application, assist the applicant in completing the application, if it is
incomplete or assistance is otherwise necessary, and will assist in identifying
the public assistance program(s) for which the applicant wishes to apply.
(1) Screening for supplemental nutrition
assistance program (SNAP) expedited service: ISD will screen SNAP applicants
for entitlement to expedited processing, using the standard formula and
documenting the application, at the time the household requests assistance.
(a) If the applicant is eligible for
expedited service, the SNAP application will be processed in accordance with
8.139.110.16 NMAC.
(b) If expedited SNAP processing is denied,
the applicant will be informed of the right to request an agency review
conference to be held within two days of the request unless the household
requests a later date pursuant to Paragraph (4) of Subsection E of
8.100.970.10
NMAC.
(2) Proof
checklist: ISD shall provide each household at the time of application for
certification and recertification with a notice that informs the household of
the verification requirements the household must meet as part of the
application process. The notice shall also inform the household of ISD's
responsibility to assist the household in obtaining required verification
provided the household is cooperating with ISD as specified in
7 C.F.R.
273.2(d)(1) and Section F of
8.139.110.11 NMAC. The notice shall
be written in clear and simple language and shall meet the bilingual
requirements designated in 7
C.F.R. 272.4(b). At a
minimum, the notice shall contain examples of the types of documents the
household should provide and explain the period of time the documents should
cover.
(3) Scheduling the
appointment: ISD must schedule an interview for all applicant households who
are not interviewed on the day their application is received by ISD. An
interview should be held within 10 working days from the date the application
is received by ISD and, to the extent possible, convenient for both the
applicant and ISD. To the extent practicable, ISD must schedule the interview
to accommodate the needs of groups with special circumstances, including
working households. ISD must schedule all interviews as promptly as possible to
ensure eligible households receive an opportunity to participate within 30 days
after the application is filed. ISD will send an appointment letter for an
interview that includes contact information for ISD, date, time and place of
the appointment. ISD must notify each household that misses its interview
appointment that it missed the scheduled interview and that the household is
responsible for rescheduling a missed interview. If the household contacts ISD
within the 30-day application processing period, ISD must schedule a second
interview. ISD may not deny a household's application prior to the 30th day
after application if the household fails to appear for the first scheduled
interview. If the household requests a second interview during the 30-day
application processing period and is determined eligible, ISD must issue
prorated benefits from the date of application.
B. Alternative interviews: Specific
requirements for telephone and out of office interviews are outlined in each
program's chapter on this topic.
C.
Screening applications received by alternative means: ISD will screen
applications for all public assistance programs and for expedited SNAP
eligibility which includes applications received by alternative means.
Alternative means include mail, fax, online, electronic transmission, or
through an authorized representative.
