Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-2-2-.05

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 660-2-2-.05 - Definitions: Application Process

The administrative definitions applicable to the application process are as follows:

(a) An applicant is an individual who made application for public assistance to the County Department in behalf of dependent children and whose application has not been disposed of by appropriate County Department action.

(b) An application is the action taken by an individual in filling out and signing an application form requesting assistance. A request to add someone who joins the assistance group is also considered as application for that person.

(c) An inquiry is a request for information only. An inquiry differs from an application in that the person's intent is to obtain information rather than to receive financial aid. Intent to receive financial aid is demonstrated by the person's signature on the application form.

(d) A referral is classed as an inquiry. It is a request for information, service, or aid in behalf of an individual. It may be made by an agency, an institution, or another person. The agency considers a referral as an inquiry until application is made.

(e) An application form is the document which when completed, dated, signed and received by the Department serves as official notice that a person wishes to receive assistance.

(f) The date of application is the date on which the application form is received by the Department. The applicant shall retain the original date of application when the application is denied in error because of certain administrative or worker errors or when an appeal is upheld by a Department Hearings Officer.

(g) The application process begins with receipt by the local Department office of a completed, dated, and signed application form and is considered complete when the application is rejected or when the applicant's name appears on a new case payroll.

(h) A determination of eligibility is the process in which the Department's worker obtains the facts of the situation of the individual applying for or receiving assistance as related to each factor of eligibility. The worker, considering these facts, invokes his/her knowledge of the Department's approved policy interpretation and makes an objective and equitable decision concerning the individual's eligibility or ineligibility for public assistance. In the determination of eligibility process certain information must be substantiated, verified, or documented.

1. Substantiate. To establish accuracy of information by obtaining consistent, supporting information.

2. Verify. To confirm the accuracy of the information through a source(s) other than the individual. Verification may be secured on the telephone, in written form, or by personal contact.

3. Document. To establish the accuracy of information by obtaining and including in the case record an official document, official paper or a photocopy of such document or paper that supports the statement(s) made by the individual.

(i) Prospective eligibility means information about actual circumstances existing at the current time projected into the next month(s) to the extent it is anticipated to be relevant then.

Author:

Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-2-2-.05

Effective June 28, 1983. Emergency amendment effective May 23, 1986. Permanent amendment effective August 12, 1986. Amended: Filed January 3, 1997; effective February 7, 1997.

Statutory Authority: Social Security Act, Title IV-A; 45 C.F.R.; State Plan for Title IV-A; Code of Ala. 1975, Title 38, Title I Public Law 104-193,Section 103.