PM 02-05-00: Screening and Registration

WAG 02-05-00

When a person completes a face-to-face screening interview or a mail-in application, they identify the benefit they want to apply for by revised manual text indicating (Yes) or (No) to the program request. Their (Yes) or (No) response to each program type and signature on the signature page of the completed application is their written statement regarding the request. Treat an application as a written request for all programs unless one of the following occurs:

revised manual textSituation 1: The person states in writing that they do not want to apply for a program. This includes when a customer provides a (Yes) or (No) response to a program request on the application to indicate if the person is applying for the benefit. The customer's (Yes) or (No) response and signature on the application is verification of their request.

revised manual textSituation 2: The application is a request for medical assistance only. This includes when the customer provides a (Yes) or (No) response to a program request on the application to indicate if the person is applying for the benefit. This may be a hospital application, an application for long-term care, a short spenddown application, or a QMB or SLIB application. If additional information is needed, a Verification Checklist is sent to the customer requesting the information needed to process the medical only application. If the customer does not respond or there is an inadequate response, the application is denied. 

revised manual textSituation 3: The application is for SNAP benefits only. This includes when the customer provides a (Yes) or (No) response to a program request on the application to indicate if the person is applying for the benefit.

new manual textValid Application to Register for a Program

  • To be considered an application, the customer or the person applying for them must sign the application. The paper application must be accepted if:
    • The customer submits a version that does not have the updated (Yes) or (No) option;
    • It only contains a name, address and signature and other sections are incomplete. If received with just a name, address and signature, the application is registered for Cash, Medical and SNAP (see PM 02-04-04 , WAG 02-04-04); or
    • The customer submits and only checks one box. For example, SNAP is checked, but the box for Medical and Cash is not checked, the application is registered for all programs; or
    • Medical is the only program selection, the application is registered for medical benefits only. This includes applications marked with a (Yes) or (No) response to a program request to indicate whether a person is applying for the benefit. This may be a hospital application, an application for long-term care, a short spenddown application, or a QMB or SLIB application or an MSP application. If additional information is needed, a Verification Checklist is sent to the customer requesting the information needed to process the medical only application. If the customer does not respond or there is an inadequate response, the application is denied; or 
    • It is submitted without a program choice, but other sections are completed and there is a name, address and signature, the application is registered for all programs; or
    • If submitted without a (Yes) or (No) indicated for a program, the customer's request for benefits will be confirmed at the interview and the appropriate action will be taken to determine if all requested programs have been registered and all individuals requesting the programs have been added to the request. Other program requests may be added, if necessary. The customer's decision on benefit choices, including the decision to decline a benefit, even if eligible and all case actions taken by the FCRC are required to be documented.