Request for Assistance (RFA) – Introduction
Every person has the right, and must be afforded the opportunity, to apply for any program administered by the Department. This means everyone has the right to file an application or reapplication regardless of whether or not he or she appears eligible. All applicants must be advised and encouraged to file applications on the same day they contact the Department in person, in writing or by telephone.
Any applicant whose primary language is not English or who uses American Sign Language (ASL) shall be provided interpreter services by the Department, in accordance with Department regulations. (See Interpreter Services) The Department shall provide interpreter services when needed, unless the applicant prefers to bring his or her own interpreter.
The Department has certain obligations toward applicants and clients under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 makes it illegal for public agencies receiving federal funds to discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by states and government entities. Generally, the Department must provide an individual equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from its programs. (See Recognizing an ADA Accommodation Request)
Each application for benefits will now include a question that clients must answer regarding if they have a disability that interferes with their ability to meet certain Department requirements. Clients will be screened for an Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation at every application to address this issue. For procedures on accommodation requests, please see Recognizing an ADA Accommodation Request.
The Request for Assistance (RFA) is the first step in processing an application or reapplication to determine the services the applicant needs.
Completion of the RFA establishes the application start date and serves as the expedited service screening tool.
Information collected from the applicant during the RFA includes, but is not limited to:
- method of application, for example walk-in
- personal information such as name, gender, birth date, Social Security number (SSN)
- address (current residence, permanent residence and mailing address)
- marital status
- race
- if the applicant is homeless
- telephone number
- email address (optional)
- program(s) applied for and reasons for applying
- identifying special situations
- making a request for Immediate Needs or Expedited Service
- information about one or more persons (if any) who are providing assistance to a primary applicant
- if the applicant is a victim of Domestic Violence
- if the applicant needs an ADA accommodation; and
- EBT Card replacement reason for a client who is reapplying and whose case has been closed for 30 days or less.
After completing the RFA process, the RFA section becomes grayed out. However, the Address, Assisting Person, Program Change and Domestic Violence pages are available in other workflows. Complete the Complete Request page and print the RFA. Once the RFA is printed, all data entered for the RFA process is saved and populated on the appropriate workflow and pages.
RFA Language
When the RFA is generated, the language on the document will vary based on the program(s) for which the applicant has applied. For example, a cash-only RFA will not have language pertinent to expedited SNAP benefits.
Americans with Disabilities Act Overview
Request for Assistance Policy and Procedures
Last Update: April 24, 2015