The CAO must treat every application as if the household is entitled to expedited service. The CAO must do the following: 7 CFR § 273.2(c) and 7 CFR § 273.2(i)
Accept and date-stamp upon receipt any application for benefits that has the name, address, and signature of the applicant.
Make sure the password and electronic signature are the same for any application submitted on COMPASS.
Make sure receptionists, caseworkers, and supervisors are aware of policy and procedures for expedited services.
Make sure CAO staff who have contact with potential SNAP households are trained to give correct information on how to apply.
Put up posters in the reception area explaining expedited service.
Have copies of PUB 52, Food Stamps Now! in the reception area.
Encourage people who contact the CAO about SNAP benefits to apply on that day.
Review each application for expedited service on the day the application is filed.
Make appropriate entries in the prescreen and expedited service sections of the PA 600.
Process all applications for households eligible for expedited service so that the benefits begin within five calendar days from the application filing date.
Give all applicants the right to apply or be screened for expedited service.
Review and accept all applications for expedited service on the same day an individual applies, even if there is not enough staffing or the office gets a large number of applications.
PFS12876506 Application Issues - Application Forms, FS Posters (Linked June 21, 2006)
PFS12979576 Untimely Recertification Issues (Linked June 14, 2006)
PFS13048576 Renewal Form Received after Closing (Linked June 14, 2006)
PFS13039504 Application After Closing/New Application Form (Linked February 20, 2008)
PFS13000504 Application Processing Issues - OPS-06-04-03 (Linked February 20, 2008)
PFS12692504 Medicaid Applicant Requests FS (Linked February 20, 2008)
Reissued March 1, 2012, replacing September 2, 2005