Do not require a new application (paper or electronic) when benefits are closed at renewal and the person reapplies within 60 days of the date of benefits closure. A person may request reconsideration by requesting that benefits be reopened (reviewed for eligibility), asking for a new application, and/or by submitting required documents. If the renewal form was not already submitted, give the household a renewal form and have them complete and submit it.
NOTE: A household must submit a new application if benefits were closed because the household was over income or resource limits, unless the case was closed without verification of income and resources and the household reapplies within 60 days and provides proof that they are within income or resource limits. See Section 179.4.
When a person reapplies within 60 days of benefits closure, reconsider the case (review for eligibility) using the paperwork and information in the case record on the date benefits were closed plus any paperwork or information the person submitted after benefits were closed and information available through electronic data sources. If eligible, reopen benefits effective the date that all eligibility factors were verified.
NOTE: Completing the renewal process means that the person provides all items needed to reestablish eligibility.
Generally, a second renewal interview is not required if the person already completed a renewal interview before benefits were closed; however, the CAO may determine that a second face-to-face interview is needed by consider the following:
The reasons for closing.
The period of time that has gone by since the original renewal interview.
Whether required forms have been signed or need to be updated.
Review the person’s most recent AMR and update as necessary or complete a new AMR if there are significant changes.
Although a new application (paper or electronic) is not required, the CAO must register a non-application in eCIS when the person requests that their application be reopened (reviewed for eligibility), asks for a new application, and/or submits required documents.
NOTE: If the person provides some but not all of the pending information, the CAO should work with the person in an effort to get the required information.
Narrate the circumstances of case authorization by incorporating specific dates, delays, and receipt of information.
The CAO may require a person to complete a new application when information appears questionable, when the person reports numerous changes, or when the CAO otherwise determines that a new application is reasonable and necessary.
NOTE: Cash Assistance is authorized from the date eligibility is established (for example, when all eligibility factors have been reviewed, all required verification is provided, and the CAO has explained rights and responsibilities). The CAO must open the budget on the date that all eligibility factors are verified.
NOTE: When a cash budget is reopened, the CAO will evaluate whether it must authorize a retroactive period of Medical Assistance to cover medical services gotten since the date of cash discontinuance.
NOTE: If the individual requests reconsideration (review for eligibility) and/or submits required verification after 60 days but within 90 days of benefits closure, the CAO must reconsider (review for eligibility) the case for Medical Assistance based on the information on file, information available to the CAO electronically or information submitted by the individual, the CAO will reopen MA effective the day after MA was closed.
NOTE: A household may file an appeal as well as having a case reopened (reviewed for eligibility) . Filing an appeal does not preclude reopening a case. Reopening a case does not preclude an appeal.
Reissued October 5, 2015, replacing April 24, 2015