340:50-11-1
The ‘late entitlement’ date is the date the application is first determined to be expedited eligible. This date should be the date of application if the application screens as expedited eligible based on the information provided.

It can only be changed when one of the following circumstances occurs:

1. The application is initially not determined to be expedited eligible but during the interview process, it is determined to be expedited eligible.
2. When the client fails to interview within 7 days of the application date.
3. This change can only be used when all of the following items are met:
   • Worker attempted to reach client by phone and documented the attempts (more than once) in case notes.
   • Worker mailed an appointment letter scheduling the interview to occur within the 7 day time-frame from the application date. The interview Letter must be imaged.
   • Client did not respond to interview letter.

The ‘late entitlement’ date should be the date of application the majority of the time. Expedited screening is expected to occur the day the application is received by the county office. If the ‘late entitlement’ date is ever different from the application date, it must meet one of the circumstances above and have case notes explaining why it’s different from the application date.

The ‘late entitlement’ date should not be changed in order to be timely. The ‘late entitlement’ date should not be changed to any day other than the date the application has been determined to be expedited eligible. Even if EO eligibility is discovered on day 7 of the application, the application date must still be used for the ‘late entitlement’ date and the case processed that same day.

Note: If first contact with client cannot be made – refer to waived interview procedures – covid 19 related.

Date of Late Entitlement for Expedited Services (C34) examples:

Q1) Casey submitted an initial application on 01/02/22 showing a total household income of $100 with np liquid resources. An appointment for an interview was scheduled for 01/14/22. What is the entitlement date (C34) entry?
A1) 01/02/22. The application indicated the client was eligible for expedited services. The date of interview was beyond the 7 day timeframe and when processed, would result in an untimely expedited certification. The agency must make efforts to see Casey within the seven-day timeframe to determine eligibility.

Q2) Lilly faxed in an application for SNAP benefits on 01/01/22 and listed income of $600 with $200 in shelter costs and declared the SUA (heating/cooling costs). Lilly’s interview was conducted on 01/15/22. During the interview, the worker determined Lilly was eligible for expedited services, as the income listed was actually received the previous month (December). The case was completed on 01/20/22. What would be the entitlement (C34) date?
A2) 01/15/22; the date the county determined the client to be eligible for expedited services. Case note why the date of entitlement is different from the application date.

Q3) Billy submitted an application for SNAP benefits on 03/05/22. Case was determined to be expedited at application due to $0 income reported with $500 resources. Shelter expense reported as $500 monthly and standard utilities. Worker assigned attempted to contact Billy by phone several times throughout the day and left a message for a return call regarding the application. All attempts were documented in case notes. Worker mailed an appointment letter scheduled the interview for 03/11/22. Letter was imaged into case file. Billy failed to respond to any voice mails, phone calls, or interview letter. On 03/20/22 Billy contacts worker and interview is completed by phone. What would be the entitlement (C34) date?
A3) 03/20/22/ Application indicated Billy was eligible for expedited services. Worker attempted several times to contact Billy and left messages for return call regarding application. Appointment letter was mailed and interview was scheduled within the 7 day time-frame. Copy of letter was imaged in case record. Late date changed to date of interview as client failed to interview within the 7 day time-frame. Case note why the date of entitlement is different from the application date.