161.09 Untimely Reapplication (FSM)

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Provide prorated benefits to households that file an application after any break in participation. A break in participation occurs when a client reapplies for benefits after the current certification has ended.

Example

A household’s benefits terminate in September. The household reapplies on October 6th. Prorate October’s Food Stamp benefits.

Exceptions:

• If the individual proves good cause for not filing a timely reapplication, or the time period for providing verification extends beyond the end of the certification period, process it as a timely recertification and restore any lost benefits.

• Do not prorate benefits for migrant and seasonal farm worker households unless the break in participation has been longer than 1 month.

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 Example

 The household’s recertification expires in May. The household completes an application, and has an interview on May 17. Verification is provided to the Department on May 28th. Full benefits are issued for June, since the household has completed the reapplication process before the end of the current certification period. If the household had provided their verification anytime after June 1, there would have been a break in participation, and the household’s first month’s benefits would have been prorated.

Applications completed after the current certification period expires are treated the same as initial applications for benefit issuance purposes.

Exception: If the individual reapplies within 30 days after the current certification period expires, the individual does not need to reverify previously verified medical expenses or actual utility expenses if the source has not changed and the amount has changed by $25 or less per month.

References: He-W 766.01, He-W 766.02, RSA 161:4-a,IV, 7 CFR 273.10(a), 7 CFR 273.14(e)(3)