TAFDC Application Timeframes

The applicant has an initial 22-day period to provide all verifications requested. If all verifications are provided within the initial 22-day period, benefits must be authorized by the 26th day so they are received by Day 30. If all verifications are provided by Day 30, benefits must be authorized within eight days of Day 30.

If all verification(s) are not returned within the initial 22-day application time period, an INT-1 is automatically generated. If the applicant does not return the INT-1 requesting an extension, and fails to return the required verifications by Day 30, the application must be denied for failure to provide verifications.

Important: SNAP rules require that SNAP benefits must be approved or denied by the 30th day after the date of application. For a cash-SNAP combination application, if it can be determined by Day 30 that the household is eligible for SNAP, you must authorize the SNAP benefits only on Day 30.

If the applicant requests an extension of the initial 30-day TAFDC timeframe to gather the required verifications reuested for the TAFDC application, he or she must complete and sign the last page of the INT-1. The applicant must identify which verification items he or she needs more time to obtain and the reason for the delay.  He or she must return the INT-1 to the TAO by day 30 following the completion of the Request for Assistance to avoid being denied for failing to provide requested verification(s). This request will give the applicant an additional 15 days (an INT-2)to provide the verification. The INT-2 will be generated with the required missing verifications listed.

Note: As acceptable verifications are returned, update the Verification tab to ensure that correct documentation of the required missing verification(s) is issued when:

• an INT-1 or INT-2 is sent to the applicant or,
• a denial notice is sent to the client and,
• the applicant calls about why his or her case is denied, inform him or her to refer to the notice to determine what verification(s) is missing.

Once updated, a Yes will appear beside the item on the Verification tab.

If after the additional 15 days have passed, and verification is not returned, the application must be denied.

If, in the 30-day period following the date of denial for failure to provide verifications, the applicant submits the requested verifications, you must open the TAFDC case retroactive to the date of application, or the date on which the returned verifications demonstrated that all eligibility requirements have been met by the applicant. 

For policy regarding application time frames for cash assistance, see 106 CMR 702.150: Date Assistance Begins.

EBT CARD

Once the interview is completed, you must issue an EBT Card so the applicant can access benefits upon application approval. For instructions on issuing EBT cards, see Issuing an EBT Card.