ASSISTANCE REQUESTS
ISSUE DATE: 04/2023
Counties and Tribal Nations must have eligibility workers available during office hours to answer questions about programs, eligibility requirements, and how to apply for assistance. See 0003 (Client Responsibilities and Rights), 0005.12 (Accepting and Processing Applications). Counties and Tribal Nations must have applications readily available in their local offices for anyone who requests one.
As a service to clients, counties and tribes may offer after hours assistance for emergencies and/or working clients. See 0004 (Emergencies). Eligibility workers and office support staff (OSS) can assist clients in completing their applications.
When people contact the county agency or Tribal Nation in person, by phone or in writing, the county agency or Tribal Nation must:
● | Identify a request for assistance. |
● | Ask people if they have an emergency need. See 0004 (Emergencies). |
● | Provide information on the kinds of assistance and help available through the community and through your agency. Refer people to social services if requested. |
● | Tell people of their right to file an application and offer people the opportunity to apply online, pick up an application in person, have an application mailed to them, or complete their application by phone or internet telepresence with an eligibility worker or office support staff (OSS). Inform clients that they may submit a completed application and/or CAF page number 1 online, in person, by fax, or by mail. See 0003.09 (Client Rights), 0005.12 (Accepting and Processing Applications). |
● | Mail the application packet the same day a client makes a request for one. For information on what forms to include in the application packet, see 0005.12.12.01 (Forms/Handouts for Applicants). |
● | Explain that benefits may begin as early as the date of application. See 0005.12.09 (Date of Application), 0022.12.03 (Proration). |
All provisions in this section also apply to people completing a Minnesota Transition Application Form (DHS-5223E) (PDF) (MTAF) or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Application for Seniors (DHS-5223F). See 0005.10 (Minnesota Transition Application Form (MTAF)).
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