506.2 CAO Responsibilities at Application
The CAO must treat every application as if the household is entitled to expedited service .
5 06.21 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