Section 1240-01-14-.04 - FILING AN APPLICATIONAn application is a signed document submitted to the Human Services Department on which the HH/AG has requested assistance for Food Stamps, Family Assistance or Medicaid. Applications can be filed in person, by authorized representative, by a person's legally appointed guardian (AFDC only), or by mail. Applications shall be made in the county of residence during working hours.
(1) Same Day Filing - Food Stamps/AFDC. Any person inquiring about making application for Food Stamps, AFDC, or Medicaid shall be advised of their right of same-day filing. To assure that all applicants are advised of their right to file an application on the same day they contact the Family Assistance Office, the county shall post signs in their certification office which explain that right, and shall include information about same-day filing in out-reach materials and on the application form. These posters and information materials will be provided by the state office. The county shall provide an application to anyone requesting one. If an application is filed, the date of application shall be recorded on the application form. The applicant shall also be advised that he/she does not have to be interviewed before filing an application. For Food Stamps an incomplete application may be filed as long as the form contains the applicant's name, address, and the signature of either a responsible member of the household/aid group or the HH/AG's authorized representative.(2) Reserved for Future Use.(3) Mailing Applications - Food Stamps/AFDC. If the household has contacted the county office by telephone but does not wish to come to the office to file the application that same day and instead prefers receiving an application through the mail, the county shall mail an application form to the household on the same day the written request or telephone call is received.(4) Contacting the "Wrong" Office - Food Stamps/AFDC.(a) If a county has designated certification offices to serve specific areas of the county, applicants may at times contact (in person or by phone) the "wrong" office. If so, the "wrong" office must still assist the applicant as follows: 1. Advise the applicant of same-day filing and mailing or an application.2. Give the applicant the address and telephone number of the correct or appropriate office.3. Offer to forward the applicant's application to the appropriate office that same day if the applicant has completed enough information on the form to submit it.(b) The applicant must be informed that the application is not considered filed and the processing standards do not begin until the application is received in the appropriate office. If an application is mailed to the wrong office, that office shall mail the application to the appropriate office the same day it is received.(5) Food Stamps/AFDC Applications. The county office shall conduct a single interview at initial and subsequent applications. AFDC applicants also applying for Food Stamps shall be interviewed by one worker for both types of assistance. However, eligibility and benefit levels shall be based on food stamp criteria for Food Stamps and Public Assistance criteria for AFDC. Certification shall be in accordance with notice and procedural requirements of the Food Stamp regulations and AFDC regulations accordingly.Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-01-14-.04
Original rule filed August 15, 1980; effective September 29, 1980.Authority: T.C.A. § 14-8-108; 45 CFR 206.10.