109.03 Processing a Filed Application (FSM)

The timeframes for processing the application begin on the date the completed BFA Form 800, Application for Assistance, is received, or "filed," in the District Office. Once BFA Form 800 is filed, schedule all applicants potentially eligible for BFA programs and services for an initial eligibility interview.

Prior to the initial interview, review BFA Form 800 to determine if potential eligibility exists for the requested programs.

If the Applicant Is Ineligible for All Programs of Assistance Requested

If the applicant is ineligible for all programs of assistance requested, discuss the reason(s) why the individual is ineligible for assistance prior to the initiation of Application Entry (AE) in New HEIGHTS. Explain to the individual that they have the right to a full eligibility interview if they request one. If the individual does not want a full interactive interview:

• refer the individual to a community, state, or federal agency that may be able to assist them;

• deny the application by choosing the status "Denied" and the most appropriate denial code on the "Conclude Interview" screen in Client Registration (CR) in New HEIGHTS. Only choose "Withdrawn" as a status if both of the following criteria are met:

- no reason for the individual’s withdrawal is known by the FSS or the reason the individual wants to withdraw their application is known, but no denial code adequately represents the individual’s withdrawal reason; and

- the individual chooses to withdraw their application after being notified that all rights to an administrative appeal are forfeited in the withdrawal process. In the rare instance when both these criteria exist, the individual must sign the withdrawal section of the BFA Form 800 and indicate the specific programs that are being withdrawn, and it must be explained to the individual that the individual can reapply at any time;

• add and print case comments to indicate why the applicant is not eligible; and

• add a row to the "DO Traffic" screen in CR and select the value "Apply – CR Denial."

If Potential Eligibility Exists

If potential eligibility exists, begin the eligibility interview by initiating AE in New HEIGHTS.

While in the interview, complete the necessary New HEIGHTS screens to determine eligibility for the programs requested by the applicant on BFA Form 800.

At the completion of the interview:

• generate New HEIGHTS-generated Form 811H, Eligibility Interview Summary (EIS), which summarizes the information provided during the application process;

• review the Your Rights and Responsibilities pages of the EIS;

• review EACH statement on the EIS Statements of Understanding page;

• have the individual initial and sign in appropriate spaces on the EIS Statements of Understanding page;

• sign and date in the spaces provided once the individual has signed;

• scan the EIS;

• provide the applicant with a copy of the signed EIS; and

• if the applicant:

- has internet access, provide the applicant with BFA Form 800W, Website Forms, which directs the applicant to the DHHS website to review the information associated with the programs of assistance for which the household is applying; or

- does not have internet access or refuses to sign BFA Form 800W, provide the required program-specific paper forms listed on Form 800W to the applicant for review.

Prior to ending the interview, review the following with the applicant:

• providing verifications. Review all of the verifications that need to be provided to the District Office. Emphasize that the verifications need to be provided as soon as possible so that a decision about eligibility can be made;

• reporting changes. Discuss BFA Form 215, Reporting Requirements Handout. Explain the types of changes the client needs to report and when, as well as the importance of reporting these changes to the District Office in a timely manner;

• ABAWD work requirements, if applicable, and the SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) program. If applicable, discuss the monthly ABAWD work requirements to obtain and retain SNAP benefits, and the 3-month cap on receipt of SNAP benefits if not meeting these requirements. Discuss BFA Form 77d, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Explain the SNAP E&T program and the benefits of participating in the program;

• who determines eligibility. If the applicant is applying for APTD, ANB, MEAD, HCBC, HC-CSD, CFI, or Nursing Facility assistance, explain that BFA determines eligibility based on financial and non-financial criteria, but another division will determine eligibility based on an independent medical decision; and

• the applicant’s right to appeal a decision. Explain to the applicant that if the applicant does not agree with BFA’s decision, then he or she has the option to file an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Unit or through the District Office. Notify them that individuals have a right to bring someone with them to the appeal, like a friend, relative, or lawyer, or they can come alone. DHHS will not pay for any legal services the individual wants, but there is free and reduced cost legal services available in NH.

References: He-W 702.03; RSA 161:4-a,IV; RSA 167:8,I; 7 CFR 273.2