D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 29, r. 29-7501
Each application seeking Program assistance from a Provider shall be in writing on a form prescribed by the Department.
An authorized representative may apply on behalf of the applicant, if the applicant provides a written and signed statement stating why the applicant cannot apply in person and the name and address of the person authorized to act on the applicant's behalf.
The Department shall provide application forms and each Provider shall accept applications from each applicant who requests assistance.
At the time of application, each applicant shall be provided with a clear, concise, written notice containing the applicant's rights and responsibilities and the Provider's responsibilities with respect to the Program.
As a condition of eligibility of receipt of funds, each applicant shall sign a document acknowledging receipt of the notice of the applicant's rights and responsibilities and the Provider's responsibilities and a release form authorizing the Provider to obtain or verify information necessary to process the application.
If, pursuant to section 7503.4, the Provider determines that case management is necessary to ensure that the applicant addresses the circumstances which led to the need for emergency rental assistance, the Provider shall refer the applicant to participate in case management.
Each applicant shall cooperate fully in establishing his or her eligibility, the nature of the emergency, and the extent of the need. This shall include providing documentation or proof, which may include an unsworn declaration made under penalty of perjury, establishing:
The Provider shall give each applicant a written request specifying any information needed to complete the application, and the Provider shall discuss with the applicant how to obtain the information. If the applicant prefers to submit an unsworn declaration instead, the Provider shall give the applicant a written form to establish proof of eligibility via an unsworn declaration made under penalty of perjury, as described in section 7501.7. The application is complete when all required information is furnished.
If requested by an applicant with a disability, or the authorized representative of an applicant with a disability, the Provider shall assist the applicant or authorized representative with any aspect of the application process necessary to ensure that the applicant has an equal opportunity to submit an application.
The Provider may use documents, telephone conversations, personal and collateral interviews, reports, correspondence, and conferences to verify applicant information. An applicant shall be denied emergency rental assistance if the Provider determines that the applicant submitted misrepresentative information, documents, or statements in support of the application, including statements made to the Provider or other organizations (e.g., the Department, the District of Columbia Housing Authority, or other Continuum of Care Providers) during the application process.
The Provider shall complete the eligibility determination within ten (10) calendar days unless there are delays caused by:
If the emergency is expected to occur in less than ten (10) calendar days following the date of application, the Provider shall take all reasonable steps to process the application in an expedited manner in time to resolve the emergency.
If an applicant is determined eligible for emergency rental assistance, the Provider shall give to the applicant a Notice of Eligibility and Assistance Determination. This notice shall include:
If an applicant is determined ineligible, the Provider shall give to the applicant a Notice of Denial of Eligibility. This notice shall include:
An application shall be considered abandoned if the applicant has not obtained and provided to the Provider the required information for eligibility and assistance determination within forty-five (45) days of the original application.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 29, r. 29-7501