WAG 02-05-01: Screening

PM 02-05-01

Screening

  • If a walk-in customer does not want to give information for screening, issue New Manual MaterialRequest for Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (IL444-2378B).
  • revised manual textInform the customer of the services and benefits available to help them with their program choices. revised manual textThe customer selects their program choice by making an entry in the program box on the paper application. revised manual textThe paper application is scanned via Datacap, and a task is created for workers to process in the Screen New Application queue. It must be accepted as a valid application to register even if:
    • The customer submits a version that does not have the updated (Yes) or (No) option. Do not require the customer to complete another IL444-2378B; or
    • It only contains a name, address and signature and other sections are incomplete. If received with just a name, address and signature, register the application 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 does not check a box for Medical and Cash, the application must be registered for all programs; or
    • If 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, send a Verification Checklist (IL444-0267) 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, register the application for all programs.
  • Do not return the application to the customer simply because a program selection was not made. At the interview, confirm the customer's request for benefits. Take the appropriate action to review and update the program requests. The Review/Update Program Request Wizard provides instructions to assist workers in determining 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. Document all actions taken, including the customer's decision to not apply for a benefit even if eligible.

Help in Completing the Application

  • Tell the customer that help is available in completing the application form. If a paper application form is completed in the office, help the customer if requested. If intake staff help complete the application form, write this on the application form.
  • If someone other than the person requesting benefits comes in to complete the application, they must have a written statement from the customer (see PM 02-04-02-a and WAG 02-04-02-a).
  • A customer may take the IL444-2378B home and have relatives or friends help with completion.
  • Complete IL444-2378B for a home intake application when a person is physically unable to come to the Family Community Resource Center and they have no one available to act as an approved representative.