The application process begins with the receipt of an application. See 0005.12.03 (What Is a Complete Application), 0005.12.06 (Who Must Sign Applications), 0005.12.09 (Date of Application).

If an applicant submits a Combined Application Form with no programs selected or submits an MNbenefits application with the program code UNKWN in the file name, pend the application on REPT/PND1 and schedule an interview. If the applicant fails to complete an interview or select any applicable programs during the interview, deny the application 30 days after the date of application. See 0026.15 (Notices of Denial, Termination, or Suspension), TEMP Manual TE02.05.27 (Autodeny: REPT/PND1 and REPT/PND2).

If an applicant submits a Combined Application Form while incarcerated through the Minnesota Department of Corrections and references the Bridging Benefits program, forward that application to the Bridging Benefits staff at DHS. The application and supporting materials must be sent through secure email to DOC.BridgingBenefits.DHS@state.mn.us. See 0029.42 (Bridging Benefits).

Encourage people to apply for assistance in their Minnesota county of residence. See 0011.09 (County Residence). Accept applications from people even if they are not residents of your county. Forward applications to their county of residence the SAME DAY you receive them.

If you must forward an application for a client with an emergency, you may need to take extra steps, such as calling the other county to schedule an appointment or assisting with transportation expenses to the other county.

If a person has been on MAXIS before, request the case file from the former county. That county should purge the physical case record using current record retention policies and send the physical case file to the new county of residence no more than 5 working days after getting the request. See 0006.27 (County Financial Responsibility Disputes), 0008.06.21 (Change in County of Residence).


MFIP:
If you complete a Combined Application Form (CAF) with the applicant either by phone or internet telepresence, you must immediately send the CAF to the household for the required signatures. The last signature page of the CAF must be returned within 30-days for the application to be considered complete.

When accepting or processing an application that includes a child who has moved here from another state to live with a parent or another relative, ask if the child was placed in their home from another state under an Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) Agreement. Children placed in Minnesota under ICPC are ineligible for MFIP. See INTERSTATE COMPACT ON THE PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN in 0002.33 (Glossary: Independent...), 0014.06 (Who Must Be Excluded From Assistance Unit).

For reporting changes when an application is pending, see 0007.15 (Unscheduled Reporting of Changes - Cash).


DWP:
Follow MFIP and in addition, DWP has a shortened application processing period. Work very closely with participants, counties, and Employment Services Providers. The time frame fits with the program’s design to provide an opportunity for the participant to begin working as soon as possible.

Provide quality supports and services in a timely manner. This should result in better outcomes for DWP participants. The first challenge is to ensure that the application processing timelines are met. See 0005.12.15 (Application Processing Standards). In addition, you will need to determine ways of ensuring that families are provided Child Care Assistance in a timely manner. The Department’s Child Care Assistance regional liaisons are available to assist counties in developing ways to enhance child care delivery services to support successful implementation of DWP.


SNAP:
If you receive an application and you are NOT the county of residence for the applicant, forward it to the county of residence that same day if the applicant has completed enough information. Forward the CAF no later than the next business day by any means that ensures the application arrives at the county of residence the same day it is forwarded. See 0005.12.09 (Date of Application).

If the applicant appears eligible for Expedited SNAP, process the application and issue benefits before transferring the case to the other county. Document your actions in CASE/NOTEs. Give the applicant the other county’s address and phone number and advise the applicant to go to the other county for ongoing assistance.


MSA, GA, GRH:
Follow general provisions.