506.2  CAO Responsibilities at Application

The CAO must treat every application as if the household is entitled to expedited service.

506.21 CAO Responsibilities

The CAO must do the following:   

7 CFR § 273.2(c) and 273.2(i)

• Make sure receptionists, caseworkers, and supervisors are aware of policy and procedures for expedited services.

• Make sure CAO staff that have contact with potential SNAP households are trained to give correct information on how to apply.

• Give all applicants the right to apply or be screened for expedited service.

• Encourage people who contact the CAO about SNAP benefits to apply on that day.

• Accept and date-stamp upon receipt any application for benefits that has the name, address, and signature of the applicant.

• Accept and review each application for expedited service on the day the application is filed, even if there is not enough staffing or the office gets a large number of applications.

• Attempt to contact the household on the day the application is received.

• Make sure the password and electronic signature are the same for any application submitted on COMPASS.

• Make appropriate entries in the pre-screen and expedited service sections of the PA 600.

• Document expedited service and benefits eligibility review on the Expedited SNAP Entitlement Information screen and in case comments.

• Process all applications for households eligible for expedited service so that benefits begin within 5 calendar days from the application filing date.  Authorize expedited benefits no later than day 4 so benefits are available in the EBT system by day 5.

• Put up posters in the reception area explaining expedited service.

• Have copies of PUB 52.1, SNAP Benefits NOW in the reception area.

Reissued January 16, 2014, replacing March 1, 2012