The date of application is usually the date the county or tribal agency, or an authorized person or agency, receives the Combined Application Form (CAF) (DHS-5223) (PDF) or an MNbenefits application. If the application is received on weekends, holidays, or after hours, the date of application will be the next business day. Document the application date on the CAF.

The date of application may not be the same as the beginning date of eligibility. See 0005.09 (Combined Application Form (CAF)), 0005.12 (Accepting and Processing Applications), 0005.12.03 (What Is a Complete Application), 0005.12.15 (Application Processing Standards), 0006 (Determining Financial Responsibility), 0022.12.02 (Beginning Date of Eligibility), 0022.12.03 (Proration).

MFIP:
Applications received without a signature can be pended for 30 days. A signature is needed to complete the application.

When an application is completed by phone or internet telepresence, the application date is the date the application was taken. The last signature page of the CAF needs to be signed and returned within 30 days as part of the eligibility determination process. See 0005.12 (Accepting and Processing Applications).


SNAP:
To set an application date, at minimum page 1 of the Combined Application Form (CAF) (DHS-5223) (PDF) or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Application for Seniors (Individuals and Couples Age 60 and Older) (DHS-5223F) must have the applicant’s name, address and signature or a submittal of an MNbenefits application. Once this information is received, set the date of the application, screen for expedited SNAP, complete the interview and obtain a signature on the last page of the application at the in-person interview or request a signature if completing a phone interview. A verbal signature is also acceptable. See 0005.12.08 (Verbal Signatures) for more information. The applicant will need to sign the last page of the application in order to complete the application process. See 0004.04 (Expedited SNAP) for more information on screening and processing expedited SNAP applications.

EXCEPTION: When “Did Not Sign” was typed in the signature field of an MNbenefits application or the signature on the application did not reasonably represent the name of someone allowed to sign the application, the application cannot be used to set the date of application. Follow the provisions below for agency action if 1 or more signatures are missing:

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When page 1 of the application is not signed, but the last signature page of the application is signed, set the date of application, complete the interview, and process the application.

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When there is no signature on either page 1 or the last signature page of the application, the application process has not started. Do not pend the application. Obtain a verbal signature from the client to set the date of the application or return the application (or page 1 of the application depending on what you have received) to the applicant. The date of application will be when the applicant meets the minimum requirements as listed.

NOTE: For units that are homeless, they may write “homeless” in the address section of page number 1 of the application. A unit is not required to reside in a permanent dwelling or have a fixed mailing address to be eligible for SNAP.

For more information regarding complete signatures on the application see 0005.12.06 (Who Must Sign Applications) and 0005.12.08 (Verbal Signatures).

If a mailed-in application contains the applicant’s name, address, and signature, do not return it to the applicant for further information. Set the application date and schedule an interview. Screen all applications for expedited SNAP on the date of application. See 0004.04 (Expedited SNAP), 0005.12 (Accepting and Processing Applications), 0005.12.03 (What Is a Complete Application), 0005.12.12 (Application Interviews), 0009 (recertification), and 0022.12.03 (Proration).

For SNAP applicants who also apply for RCA at a local resettlement agency, see 0030.03.01 (Processing RCA Applications).

Below are specific circumstances that set the date of application:

●	Residents of institutions who are ineligible for SNAP because they live in certain institutions may apply for SNAP within 30 days prior to their release. The date of their release from the institution is the application date.
●	The date of application for residents of Regional Treatment Centers (RTCs) is the date of the client's release.
●	When MFIP is ending but the unit remains eligible for non-PA SNAP, the SNAP application date on MAXIS is the date of the MFIP closing action. See TEMP Manual TE02.08.143 (SNAP When MFIP Is Closed).

MSA, GA:
When an application is completed by phone or internet telepresence, the application date is the date the application was taken. The last signature page of the CAF needs to be signed and returned within 30 days as part of the eligibility determination process. See 0005.12 (Accepting and Processing Applications).


HSP:
The date of application is the date any Minnesota county agency receives a signed and dated page number 1 of the CAF, the submittal date of an MNbenefits application or, for a person who is participant of another cash program, a signed and dated Change Report Form (DHS-2402) (PDF). See 0005.12 (Accepting and Processing Applications), 0006 (Determining Financial Responsibility).