Section 144-301-200-FS 222-1 - Filing an Application1.GENERAL RULEAll households have the right to file an application for SNAP benefits. Households are encouraged to file the application the same day they express an interest in applying. SNAP benefits will be calculated from the date of application (Section 999-1) .
2.REQUESTSA. To start the application process, the requesting household must file an application, and at minimum: (1) Provide the applicant's name and address; and NOTE: The address need not be a specific street address; i.e., an individual experiencing homelessness may simply list a town or region of the state.
(2) sign the application.B. TANF applicants are given the opportunity to apply for SNAP benefits at the same time they apply for TANF.C. SSI applicants/recipients, including those residing in public institutions (Section 999-1), are allowed to apply for SNAP through the Social Security Office. The Social Security Office shall forward all completed SNAP applications to the Department for eligibility determination. The Department shall screen applications for completeness, verification, and expedited service. A second interview by the Department is not required.D. Maine residents in a state or county correctional facility within Maine are allowed to apply for SNAP within 30 days prior to their anticipated release date.3.DUPLICATE PARTICIPATIONIndividuals cannot be included as members in more than one SNAP household in the same month. This restriction also applies to individuals moving from one state to another.
Dual participation in SNAP and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) is prohibited. (See Section 999-1, page 3 for additional information.)
EXCEPTION: Individuals who reside in shelters for battered persons (Section 444-6) .
4.APPLICATION STEPSA. The Department shall provide applications to individuals who request them the same day they are requested.B. The Department shall assist in completion of applications upon request.C. The Department shall interview a responsible member of the household or an authorized representative as detailed in Section 222-4. D. The Household must verify information as detailed in Section 222-5. E. The Department shall process necessary documents to authorize receipt of SNAP benefits. NOTE: The household may, at any time, voluntarily withdraw the application. The Department shall document in the case record that the household wanted to withdraw and, if appropriate, the reason for withdrawal.
F. To determine eligibility, the application form and applicable supplements must be completed and signed. If the household refuses to cooperate in any of the steps above, the application is denied at the time of refusal. For a determination of refusal to be made, the household must be able to cooperate, but clearly demonstrate that they will not take actions they can take and that are required to complete the application process;G. The Department shall determine the household to be ineligible if they refuse to cooperate in any subsequent review of their eligibility. Once denied or terminated for refusal to cooperate, the household is not eligible until they cooperate.
10-144 C.M.R. ch. 301, § 200-FS 222-1