Section 5.05 - Application Procedures(1) Every applicant shall use the Statewide Online Application System or application forms approved by the Department. The application forms shall be available at all LHAs' central offices or, upon request, by mail. LHAs shall provide reasonable assistance to applicants in completing the application forms. When an applicant submits a paper application form at any LHA, the LHA shall accept the application and promptly enter the information thereon into the Statewide Online Application System.(2) Every application entered into the Statewide Online Application System shall receive a date and timestamp for each program at each LHA to which the application is made. Applicants may return to their online applications to view their application status and to make changes at any time. Applicants may also make changes at any LHA in person or by mail.(3)Determinations of Priority, Preference, Eligibility and Qualification. (a) When an applicant approaches the top of a waiting list for an LHA program to which the applicant has applied, the LHA shall make a final determination of the applicant's priority, preference, eligibility and qualification. The applicant shall update the application and provide any additional information or verification reasonably required by the LHA.(b) If the LHA determines that an applicant is not eligible for a claimed priority or preference or is ineligible or unqualified for housing, it shall send written notification to the applicant of: 2. the reason(s) for the determination detailing the material facts; and3. the right to request a private conference to redetermine the applicant's priority, preference, eligibility and/or qualification pursuant to 760 CMR 5.13. After a final determination of priority, preference, eligibility and/or qualification has been made by the LHA, that determination will govern the application only for the application to that program at that LHA in the Statewide Online Application System. If an applicant who has been removed from the waiting list reapplies for any program at that LHA, the reapplication will receive a new date and time stamp, and new final determinations shall be made on the application when the application reaches the top of the waiting list.
(4) When an application for a transfer for good cause is denied, when an application for addition of a household member is denied, or when the LHA orders an administrative transfer, a household member, who has signed the lease, may grieve the decision of the LHA under the grievance procedure, and this shall be the sole administrative remedy.Amended by Mass Register Issue 1394, eff. 6/28/2019.