109.01 Filing an Application SR 94-41, 06/94 (AAM-A)

Individuals have the right to file an application on the same day they contact the District Office. Advise individuals that they may file the application before an interview is conducted.

Assist individuals in completing Form 800, if they request help.

Accept the application if it contains a request for assistance, the applicant's name and address, and the applicant's signature or, if the applicant is incapacitated or incompetent, the signature of an authorized representative or other responsible person acting on behalf of the applicant.

Calculate time frames for determining eligibility and providing benefits from the date the application is filed in the correct district office. The correct district office is based on the individual's residence. See the General Manual, Item 39, District Office Catchment Areas.

Exceptions: For individuals applying for medical assistance at the following locations, the time frames begin from the date the application is filed at:

- any New Hampshire hospital, or

- any federally qualified health clinic.

. If the application is filed in the correct office, stamp the application with the date of receipt.

. If the individual mails the application to the wrong office, date stamp and forward the form to the appropriate office on the same day.

 Exception: Process the Food Stamp portion of the application immediately for applications received in the wrong D.O. if the case meets the criteria for Expedited Food Stamps.

. If the individual contacts the wrong office, in person or by telephone, do all of the following:

- give the individual the address and telephone number of the correct office,

- offer to forward the application to the correct office on the same day, if the form contains the minimum information necessary for filing an application.

* When a resident of an institution applies prior to leaving the institution, the filing date of the application is the date the applicant is released from the institution.