reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-XVIII - APPEAL PROCESS

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
Scope:
The Mississippi Department of Human Services' regulations for
				  child placing agencies and residential child caring agencies allows for the
				  following:
1. Administrative Grievance
				Hearing is afforded to all licensure applicants (in the event an application
				for licensure or renewal of a license is denied or a license is
				revoked).
2. Availability and
				Conditions: a. The following conditions must be met before an Administrative
				Grievance Hearing can be held:
i.First, it
				must be a matter which can be reviewed as set out in number one (1) above.
ii. The aggrieved party must file
				an appeal by submitting, in writing, a request for an administrative hearing
				within ten (10) working days of the date of the Department's written notice of
				action sent to the individual or agency.
iii. The hearing shall be held as soon as
				possible, but no later than sixty (60) days after the receipt of the
				request.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-XIX - APPENDIX › Child Abuse Central Registry Check

Current through June 25, 2024
Purpose
This form provides information to the Child Abuse Central
					 Registry to request a check for prior substantiated abuse/neglect reports
					 regarding applicants for foster parents, adoptive parents, or employees of
					 residential child care facilities, child placing agencies, or day care
					 centers.
Instructions
All requests for Child Abuse Central Registry Checks should
					 be submitted in the enclosed format. This standards example form includes all
					 of the necessary information and authorization to process a background check
					 through the Department Child Abuse/ Neglect Central Registry.
The enclosed example should be used by all agencies and
					 child caring facilities, excluding The Department employees, when making a
					 request for a background check of the Central Registry. All agencies and child
					 caring facilities should use that enclosed example format in its
entirety,
on your agency's official letterhead to
					 request background checks. All Central Registry requests received without the
					 requested information and authorization will be returned unprocessed to the
					 requesting entity.
Submit the form to Mississippi Department of Human
					 Services, Division of Family & Children Services. The bottom section will
					 be completed by Protection Department staff and will be returned to the sending
					 agency. If you have questions regarding this form you may contact the
					 Department's Central Registry at 601-359-4487.
Please be advised that you
must
provide a self addressed stamped envelope or your
					 central registry request will not be processed.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-XIX - APPENDIX › PERMISSION FOR BACKGROUND CHECK

Current through June 25, 2024
Purpose
This form is for applicants for foster parent, adoptive
					 parent, or employee of a residential care facility, child placing agency, or
					 day care center to authorized permission for background screening check.
Instructions
The applicant is to fill in date, agency in which seeking
					 employment, and check category of application, and sign. A copy of this form is
					 to be maintained in the agency files.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-XIX - APPENDIX › Character and Suitability

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
Character and Suitability Requirement:
1. All applicants and holders of a child care
				  license, all applicants for employment in a paid or voluntary position
				  (including board members), and all current employees in paid or voluntary
				  positions must be suitable and of good moral character in order to operate or
				  work in a child care facility. All applicants shall be investigated to
				  determine character and suitability to hold a license/permit or work in a child
				  care facility. Information regarding the character and suitability shall be
				  reviewed by the Department at the time of initial application. For purposes of
				  this requirement, an applicant includes all board members and officers of
				  corporations, partnerships, associations, or other legal entities having direct
				  contact with the children in care. Because staff family members living in the
				  home or visiting overnight in the children's living units shall also be of good
				  character and suitability, a criminal background check shall be obtained on
				  these individuals. Upon promulgation of these regulations, the
				  applicant/licensee shall conduct a character and suitability review on all
				  applicants for employment in a paid or voluntary position, and all current
				  employees in paid or voluntary positions.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-XIX - APPENDIX › REQUIRED HEALTH DEPARTMENT INSPECTION(S)

Current through June 25, 2024
The following inspection(s) should be performed by the
					 Health Department in order for the facility to comply with licensing
					 standards:
1. Residential Child Caring
				  Agencies who have a cottage-type living arrangement with a family-type kitchen
				  in each cottage or individual group homes shall be inspected using only
				  Mississippi Department of Health Inspection for Residential Facility Form(750)
				  Inspection Report. The entire form shall be completed by the Health Department
				  Environmentalist.
2. Residential
				  Child Caring Agencies who have a separate central dining area for all residents
				  and/or have 15 or more persons eating together shall have both a Food Service
				  Permit Inspection report and a Residential Facility Inspection Report - Form
				  750 performed.
If a Form 750 is submitted with negative responses or "no"
					 checked, the facility shall also submit a plan for corrective action. It may be
					 necessary to issue a Probationary License to any facility pending corrective
					 action.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-XIX - APPENDIX › MDHS/DFCS RESOURCE INQUIRY DATA SHEET

Current through June 25, 2024
Protocol
The Resource Inquiry Data Sheet has been developed to
					 assist Agency Resource Providers to certify and license families that meet the
					 necessary requirements, to alleviate any problems and or concerns associated
					 with families being licensed and or associated with multiple agencies and to
					 notify the agencies if the identified family has current or past affiliations
					 with MDHS. The inquiry sheet will be utilized as follows:
*
When Provider Agencies receive inquiries
					 from potential families, the inquiry data sheet is completed and faxed to DFCS
					 Licensure Unit
prior
to a family attending any scheduled
					 training
*
Completed forms should be faxed to (601)
					 359-2390 or (601) 359-2550.
*
Within 48 hours of request being received,
					 staff will conduct the appropriate search and results sent back to the Provider
					 Agency within 48 hours
*
Once findings are provided to the requesting
					 agency, all paperwork will be forwarded to the assigned Licensure Unit Staff
					 person for filing.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 7 - Division of Family & Children Services Licensing Requirements › Chapter 1 - Licensing Requirements Manual for Residential Child Caring and Child Placing Agencies › Section 18-7-1-XIX - APPENDIX › RESOURCE HOME INQUIRY DATA SHEET

Current through June 25, 2024
Click
					 Here To View Image
: MS Code Sec
					 43-15-5(2)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 8 - MDHS Subgrant Manual › Chapter 1 - Introduction › Rule 18-8-1.1 - Repeal Prior Rules/Manuals › Section 18-8-1.1-1 - Introduction

Current through June 25, 2024
The Subgrant Manual has been prepared to provide uniform
					 procedures and guidance for the administration of subgrants awarded by the
					 Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). The manual serves a three-fold
					 purpose:
1. To ensure subgrantee funds
				  are used for the purposes for which they are awarded;
2. To safeguard public monies to the greatest
				  extent possible; and
3. To provide
				  guidance to subgrantees in establishing and maintaining sound business
				  accounting procedures.
This document serves as a guide in monitoring MDHS and/or
					 Federally funded programs administered by subgrantees. It is intended to
					 identify important requirements that MDHS, as both a grantor and pass-through
					 entity for program funds, will monitor and provide reasonable assurance that
					 subgrantees are in compliance with all applicable requirements.
An electronic copy of the Office of Management and Budget's
					 (OMB) Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit
					 Requirements for Federal Awards (
					 2 C.F.R. §
												200 ) is available online at
http://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/12/26/2013-30465/uniformadministrative-requirements-cost-principles-and-audit-requirements-for-federalawards
.
The Subgrant Manual and all forms referenced and associated
					 with each chapter of this manual are available online at
https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/
.
ALL MDHS SUBGRANTEES AND ANY LOWER-TIER SUBRECIPIENTS ARE
					 REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH THE DIRECTIVES SET OUT IN THIS MANUAL AND ALL
					 APPLICABLE FEDERAL REGULATIONS.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 1 - General Information › Rule 18-14-1.1 - Legal Authority and Purpose

Current through June 25, 2024
The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (as amended) authorizes
				  the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The purpose of the SNAP
				  is to help low-income households increase their food purchasing power in order
				  to obtain a more nutritious diet.
7 CFR §
											271.1(a)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 1 - General Information › Rule 18-14-1.2 - State Agency Responsibilities

Current through June 25, 2024
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) under the United States
				  Department of Agriculture (USDA) delegates to the Mississippi Department of
				  Human Services (MDHS) the responsibilities of administering the SNAP within the
				  state. These responsibilities include, but not limited to:
A. Certifying applicant households;
B. Maintaining the issuance, control, and
				accountability of SNAP benefits;
C.
				Conducting performance reporting reviews, such as Quality Control and
				Management Evaluation;
D.
				Developing and maintaining complaint procedures;
E. Developing, conducting, and evaluating
				training;
F. Processing recipient
				claims and underpayments;
G.
				Submitting accurate and timely financial and program reports; and
H. Keeping records necessary to determine
				program compliance with federal regulations.
7 CFR §
											271.4
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 1 - General Information › Rule 18-14-1.3 - Program Informational Activities

Current through June 25, 2024
MDHS must provide SNAP applicants and recipients with their
				  rights and responsibilities regarding the program. All program informational
				  materials must be available in other languages and include a statement that the
				  SNAP is available without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, religious
				  creed, national origin, or political belief.
7 CFR §
											272.5
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 1 - General Information › Rule 18-14-1.4 - Household Rights and Responsibilities

Current through June 25, 2024
A. Federal and
				state regulations provide certain rights to households applying for or
				receiving SNAP benefits, including the right to:
1. File an application during working hours
				on the same day one contacts the office with, at a minimum, a name, address and
				signature of a responsible adult household member or authorized
				representative.
2. A telephone
				interview if one is unable to come to the office for the interview with the
				MDHS caseworker due to age, transportation difficulties, illness, or other
				hardship as determined by MDHS.
3.
				A certain amount of privacy concerning one's circumstances and need for
				assistance. For more information, see
Rule
				1.11 Confidentiality
.
4. Designate in writing an authorized
				representative.
5. Adequate notice
				of reduction in benefits or closure of a case based on the household's change
				in circumstances.
6.
				Non-discriminatory treatment.
7. A
				fair hearing on an application, amount of benefits, closure of case, or any
				action of the agency about which the household wishes to express
				dissatisfaction.
8. Free language
				assistance for persons with Limited English Proficiency and/or auxiliary
				aids/services or other reasonable modifications for persons with
				disabilities.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 1 - General Information › Rule 18-14-1.5 - Bilingual Requirements

Current through June 25, 2024
MDHS must provide services (staff or interpreters) for
				  non-English speaking households regarding program information and certification
				  materials based on the estimated total number of low-income households that
				  speak the same non-English language in the state.
7 CFR §
											272.4(b)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 1 - General Information › Rule 18-14-1.6 - State Plan of Operation

Current through June 25, 2024
MDHS is required to provide an annual state plan of operation
				  detailing the implementation of its SNAP to FNS.
7 CFR §
											272.2
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 1 - General Information › Rule 18-14-1.7 - Personnel Standards

Current through June 25, 2024
Only authorized merit personnel will be allowed to conduct
				  certification interviews or certify applicants except for SSI households and
				  USDA declared disaster victims or as otherwise allowed by FNS instruction.
				  Volunteers may be utilized for outreach, prescreening, assisting applicants in
				  the application and certification process and in securing needed
				  verification.
7 CFR §
											272.4(a)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 1 - General Information › Rule 18-14-1.8 - Case Record

Current through June 25, 2024
The case record provides eligibility data on households
				  applying for or receiving SNAP benefits, validates agency action in the
				  determination of the household's eligibility and benefit level, and provides
				  verification that justifies expending public funds on behalf of needy people.
				  Case record documentation must support eligibility and benefit level
				  determination. All case record information is confidential.
7 CFR §
											272.1(e);
				  7 CFR §
										273.2(f)(6)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 1 - General Information › Rule 18-14-1.9 - Record Retention

Current through June 25, 2024
A. MDHS must retain
				all SNAP records for review and audit purposes for three (3) years from the
				month of origin of each record.
B.
				These records include applications, income determination for eligibility,
				verification techniques utilized, correspondence between households and MDHS,
				and actions regarding the fair hearing process.
C. Fiscal records and accountable documents
				must be retained by MDHS for 3 years from the date of fiscal or administrative
				closure. These records include claims and documentation of lost
				benefits.
D. Case records,
				including notices, regarding intentional program violation disqualification
				must be retained indefinitely or until FNS determines that all records may be
				removed permanently.
E.
				Disqualification records submitted to the disqualified recipient database must
				be purged by MDHS when the supporting documents are no longer accurate,
				relevant or complete.
7 CFR §
											272.1(f)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 1 - General Information › Rule 18-14-1.10 - Electronic Notices

Current through June 25, 2024
A. Mississippi has
				taken the state option to send electronic notices to households once an account
				has been activated by such household.
B. Once the household makes the selection of
				receiving electronic notices, the household will be responsible for viewing all
				notices.
C. Households will be
				given the opportunity to opt-out and return to paper notice at any
				time.
D.
Note
: Claim
				overpayment tax offset notices will continue to be sent via regular
				mail.
7 CFR §
											273.2(c)(5), (e)(3), (f)(9)(iii), (f)(10)(iv) and
				  (g)(3);
				  7 CFR §
										273.7(c)(1)(ii);
				  7 CFR §
											273.10(g);
				  7 CFR §
										273.13;
				  7 CFR §
											273.14(b)(1);
				  31 CFR §
										285.2(d)(2)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 1 - General Information › Rule 18-14-1.11 - Confidentiality

Current through June 25, 2024
SNAP case information is confidential under Federal and State
				  law. Information must be protected in order to prevent unauthorized
				  disclosure.
A.
Administrative
				Disclosure
: Case information may only be disclosed for purposes directly
				related to the administration of the following programs:
1. Persons directly connected with the
				administration or enforcement of the provisions or regulations of the Food and
				Nutrition Act of 2008;
2. Child
				Support;
3. Food Distribution
				programs;
4. Medicaid;
5. The National School Lunch Program for the
				purpose of approving eligibility of children for free meals based on their
				receipt of SNAP;
6. Comptroller
				General's Office for audit examination;
7. Law enforcement upon their written
				request. The written request must include the identity of the individual
				requesting the information and his/her authority for doing so, the violation
				being investigated and the person's identity the information is being
				requested.
a) If the purpose is investigating
				an alleged Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 or regulation violation, any
				information shall be provided.
b)
				Information, such as address, social security number and photo if available,
				must be restricted to household members being sought. If the purpose is
				investigating fleeing felons, a felony warrant must be provided. If the purpose
				is investigating probation or parole violators, law enforcement must be
				actively pursuing the individual.
c) Information will also be disclosed
				regarding a household member when such member has information necessary for the
				apprehension or investigation of another member who is fleeing to avoid
				prosecution or custody for a felony or has violation a condition of his/her
				probation or parole.
8.
				Supplemental Security Income (SSI);
9. State programs administered under a plan
				approved under the Social Security Act, which is required to participate in the
				Income and Eligibility Verification System (IEVS) to the extent that SNAP
				information is useful in establishing or verifying eligibility or benefit
				amounts under those programs;
10.
				Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF);
11. Any other federally aided means-tested
				programs; or
12. Verification of
				immigration status of non-citizens applying for SNAP through the Systematic
				Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 1 - General Information › Rule 18-14-1.12 - Complaints

Current through June 25, 2024
A. Program complaints may be made by a member
				of a household, an authorized representative, or any other person. This does
				not include complaints alleging discrimination or those that can be pursued
				through a fair hearing. MDHS provides SNAP applicants and/or recipients an
				opportunity to appeal adverse administrative decisions and provide supporting
				documentation challenging the adverse or noncompliant action. Please refer to
				Title 18 of the Administrative Code, Part 23, Programmatic Administrative
				Agency Appeal Hearing Policy, Chapter 3.
B. Case information must not be released to
				anyone other than the household or the authorized representative, unless the
				household or authorized representative has provided approval in
				writing.
C. All complaints are
				promptly reviewed to determine if the county's actions were correct.
D. Such complaints may involve program
				policy, procedures and customer service.
E. MDHS must inform participants, potential
				participants and other interested parties of the complaint process.
1.
Complaint Review
: MDHS must
				maintain a record of said complaints, their disposition and will review those
				records at least annually to ascertain whether there is a pattern of issues
				that may need to be resolved through further training. The results of this
				review must be provided to the Performance Reporting System Coordinator and, if
				appropriate, be included in the State Corrective Action Plan. FNS shall monitor
				state compliance with these requirements through the Performance Reporting
				System.
2.
Complaints to
				Public Officials
: When a SNAP applicant, recipient, or authorized
				representative makes a complaint about the agency in writing to a public
				official, the public official in turn will usually provide the letter to the
				agency. By providing facts about its complaint to the public official, the SNAP
				household is implying that it has provided consent to the agency to include
				that information when replying to the public official. When preparing a
				response, the agency should only include information that is necessary to
				explain the agency's position or action. The household/authorized
				representative may request a fair hearing if they are not satisfied with the
				results of the complaint review and outcome. Please refer to Title 18 of the
				Administrative Code, Part 23, Programmatic Administrative Agency Appeal Hearing
				Policy, Chapter 3.
3.
Regional Office Responsibility
: Individuals may file a complaint
				with the appropriate FNS Regional Office. For the state of Mississippi,
				complaints should be directed to the Southeast Regional Office, U.S. Department
				of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services, 77 Forsyth Street SW, Suite 112,
				Atlanta, GA 30303-3427.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 1 - General Information › Rule 18-14-1.13 - Nondiscrimination Compliance

Current through June 25, 2024
A. No applicant or
				participant shall be discriminated against in any aspect of the SNAP
				administration including, but not limited to, certification of households,
				issuance of benefits, fair hearing procedures, and any other service for
				reasons of age, race, color, sex, disability, religious creed, national origin
				or political beliefs.
B.
Right to File a Complaint
: Individuals should be advised of the
				right to file a complaint through FNS or the MDHS Office of Civil Rights, or
				both. FNS directed discrimination complaints may forwarded to Administrator,
				FNS, Washington, DC 20250. FNS complaint requirements can be found within the
				citied regulation below.
C.
Public Notice
: The USDA Nondiscrimination Statement must be posted
				in all MDHS offices and publicized so the public may have access to the
				nondiscrimination statutes and procedures for filing a complaint.
D.
Reports
: FNS requires that
				MDHS report the racial and ethnic data on participating households.
7 CFR §
											272.6
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 1 - General Information › Rule 18-14-1.14 - Quality Control Reviews

Current through June 25, 2024
A. Federal
				regulations require as part of the Performance Reporting System Quality Control
				(QC) Staff to review a sample of households in two categories:
1. Households which are participating in SNAP
				(called active cases) and
2.
				Households in which participation was denied, suspended or terminated (called
				negative cases).
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 1 - General Information › Rule 18-14-1.15 - The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
				This Act designates all State agencies providing public assistance as voter
				registration agencies.
B.
Voter Registration Services
: MDHS must provide all applicants and
				recipients the opportunity to register to vote or update a voter registration
				record. Provide a voter registration application and declination form at each
				application/reapplication, recertification/reevaluation, or when the household
				reports a change of address.
C.
Required Duties
: The following services must be provided by MDHS
				as a voter registration agency:
1.
				Distribution of voter registration application forms and declination forms to
				applicants/recipients of agency assistance;
2. Assistance in completing voter
				registration application forms unless the applicant/recipient refuses such
				assistance; and
3. Acceptance of
				completed voter application forms for transmittal to the county Circuit Clerk
				for processing within five (5) days of receipt by the
				agency.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.1 - Application Process

Current through June 25, 2024
There are three steps in the application process:
A. Completing and filing an application
				form;
B. Being interviewed;
				and
C. Having certain information
				verified.
7 CFR §
											273.2(a)(2)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.2 - Application Form

Current through June 25, 2024
Applications can be made either in paper form, an online
				  document or a recorded conversation.
7 CFR §
											273.2(b)(1)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.3 - Required Application Notifications

Current through June 25, 2024
Each application form must include the following:
A. Notice of a household's right to file with
				an applicant's name, address and signature of a responsible household member or
				the household's authorized representative.
B. Notice that, if eligible, benefits will be
				provided from the date of application.
C. A description of expedited services on the
				first page of the application.
D. A
				statement to be signed under penalty of perjury as to the truthfulness of the
				information contained in the application by an adult household
				member.
E. A prominent description
				of the civil and criminal penalties for violating the Food and Nutrition Act of
				2008.
F. Notice that information
				available through the income and eligibility system (IEVS) will be requested,
				used, and may affect eligibility and benefit levels.
G. Notice that non-citizen status of
				applicant household members may be subject to verification by United States
				Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through the use of the Systematic
				Alien and Verification and Entitlements (SAVE) system that may affect
				eligibility and benefit levels.
H.
				The USDA non-discrimination statement and the Privacy Act statement.
7 CFR §
											273.2(b)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.4 - Application Availability

Current through June 25, 2024
A. The application
				must be readily available to potentially eligible households as the household
				has a right to same day filing.
B.
				Households who contact the agency for SNAP, but do not wish to come to the
				office, must be advised:
1. An application
				will be mailed to them the same day, or
2. They can complete or obtain an application
				online.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.5 - Who May File the Application

Current through June 25, 2024
Applications for SNAP may be made by any of the following
				  people:
A. Head of household;
B. Spouse of the head of household;
C. Other responsible household member;
				or
D. A designated authorized
				representative.
7 CFR §
											273.2(b)(1)(v)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.6 - Filing the Application

Current through June 25, 2024
Households or an authorized representative may file an
				  application:
A. By going
				online;
B. In person;
C. By fax;
D. By email; or
E. By mail.
7 CFR §
											273.2(c)(1)(i)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.7 - Valid Application

Current through June 25, 2024
A. A valid
				application for SNAP benefits requires the following:
1. Name;
2. Address; and
3. Signature of the responsible adult
				household member or authorized representative.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.8 - Valid Signatures

Current through June 25, 2024
A. Handwritten
				signatures are accepted.
B.
				Applications signed with a "mark" must also have the signature of a
				witness.
C. Electronic signatures
				through fax or other electronic transmissions are acceptable.
D. Recorded telephonic verbal assent
				(consisting of an audio recording of the household's verbal assent and a
				summary of the information to which the household assents) is a valid
				signature; however, MDHS currently only accepts telephonic signatures through
				our SNAP Outreach Partner.
7 CFR §
											273.2(c)(7)
				  (vi-viii)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.9 - Application Assistance

Current through June 25, 2024
When requested, MDHS must provide assistance to help
				  applicants and recipients with:
A.
				Completing the application;
B.
				Obtaining verifications if needed; and
C. Registering to vote.
National Voter
				  Registration Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C. Chapter 205);
				  7 CFR §
											273.2(c)(5)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.10 - Authorized Representatives

Current through June 25, 2024
A. Applicants may
				authorize representatives to act on a household's behalf either:
1. During the application process;
2. Obtaining benefits; or
3. Utilizing SNAP benefits.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.11 - Application Date

Current through June 25, 2024
A. The application
				date is the date the application is received by MDHS during normal business
				hours.
B. For online applications,
				the date of application is the date the application is submitted during normal
				business hours.
C. If the
				application is received outside of business hours, during recognized holidays
				and/or weekends, the application date will be considered the next business
				day.
D. For telephonic
				applications, the date of application is the date on which the household member
				provides verbal assent.
7 CFR §
											273.2(c)(1)(iv)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.12 - Application Copies

Current through June 25, 2024
A. A copy of the
				completed application must be offered to the household member.
B. The household has the option to receive a
				paper copy or a copy in electronic format.
7 CFR §
											273.2(c)(1)(v)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.13 - Joint Applications for Agency Programs

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
				Households may use the same application to apply for SNAP and Temporary
				Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or submit separate applications for each
				program.
B. Another application for
				SNAP is not necessary if the household is denied benefits for TANF.
C. If a joint application is filed, all SNAP
				applications will be filed considering SNAP procedural, timeliness, notice and
				fair hearing requirements.
D. A
				single interview must be completed for households jointly applying.
7 CFR §
											273.2(b)(3)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.14 - Application through Social Security Administration (SSA)

Current through June 25, 2024
A. Households in which all members are
				applying for and/or receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits may
				apply for SNAP through SSA.
B.
				Households that prefer to submit their SNAP applications through MDHS may do
				so.
C. A SSI household has the
				right to file a SNAP application in the Social Security office provided:
1. The household is not participating in the
				SNAP; and
2. The household has not
				applied for SNAP benefits in the 30 preceding days; and
3. The household does not have a pending
				application for SNAP benefits.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.15 - Pre-release Institution Resident Applying for SSI and SNAP

Current through June 25, 2024
A. The application date for residents of an
				institution jointly filing for SSI and SNAP prior to leaving the institution is
				the date the resident is released from the institution.
B. Processing and benefit timeframes are
				based on the resident's release date.
C. Eligible households receive initial month
				benefits from the date of release to the end of the month.
7 CFR §
											273.2(c)(1)(vi) and (g)(1),
				  7 CFR §
										273.10(a);
				  7 CFR §
											273.11(i)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.16 - Withdrawing an Application

Current through June 25, 2024
A. A household may
				voluntarily withdraw its application at any time prior to the determination of
				eligibility.
B. The household must
				be advised of its right to reapply.
7 CFR §
											273.2(c)(6)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.17 - When to Complete the Interview

Current through June 25, 2024
A. Households must
				have a face-to-face or telephone interview with an eligibility worker at
				initial certification and at least once every twelve (12) months thereafter
				unless the household is certified for longer than 12 months.
B. An interview must be promptly scheduled
				for all applicant households who are not interviewed on the date in which their
				application was submitted.
7 CFR §
											273.2(e)(1)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.18 - Who to Interview

Current through June 25, 2024
One of the following persons may be interviewed:
A. Head of household;
B. Spouse of the primary person;
C. Other responsible household member;
				or
D. Authorized Representative who
				is aware of the household's circumstances.
7 CFR §
											273.2(e)(1)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.19 - Where to Complete the Interview

Current through June 25, 2024
A. Households are
				allowed a face-to-face interview either:
1.
				At an appropriate MDHS county office;
2. The household's residence if a hardship
				criteria is met and the household requests a home-based
				interview.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.20 - Interview Requirements

Current through June 25, 2024
A. The interviewer
				must advise the household of their rights and responsibilities, including the
				appropriate application processing standards and the household's responsibility
				to report changes.
B. The
				interviewer must explore and resolve any unclear or incomplete information from
				the application form.
C. The
				interviewee may bring anyone he or she chooses to the interview.
D. The applicant must have a right to privacy
				during the interview.
E. Limited
				English Proficient (LEP) households must be provided with bilingual personnel
				during the interview.
7 CFR §
											273.2(e)(1);
				  7 CFR §
										273.2(e)(2)(iv)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.21 - Missed Interview

Current through June 25, 2024
A. Households must
				be notified of their missed appointment and the household's responsibility that
				it must schedule a second interview.
B. If the household contacts MDHS within the
				thirty (30) day application processing period, MDHS must schedule a second
				interview.
7 CFR §
											273.2(e)(3)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.22 - Household Cooperation

Current through June 25, 2024
A. An application
				will be denied at the time of refusal if the household refuses to cooperate
				with the application process.
B.
				The household must be able to cooperate, but purposely refusing to do
				so.
7 CFR §
											273.2(d)(1)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.23 - Normal Processing Timeliness Standards for Initial Applications

Current through June 25, 2024
Households that complete all of the requirements of the
				  application process will receive an eligibility determination no later than
				  thirty (30) calendar days from the application file date.
7 CFR §
											273.2(g)(1)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.24 - Determining Cause of Delay

Current through June 25, 2024
A review to determine the cause of the delay must be
				  completed if a determination of eligibility is not made by the
				  30th day from the application file
				  date.
7 CFR §
											273.2(h)(1)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.25 - Household Delays

Current through June 25, 2024
A. MDHS must have
				offered or attempted to offer assistance in completing the application form for
				the household to be at fault if it failed to complete the application
				form.
B. If one or more household
				members failed to register for work, MDHS must have informed the household of
				the need to register, determined if any members were exempt and given at least
				ten (10) days of notice for the household to register to work for the household
				to be the cause of delay.
C. In
				cases where verification is incomplete, MDHS must have given notice of the
				required verification, offered to assist in obtaining it and given at least ten
				(10) days of notice from the date of initial request to provide it for the
				household to be determined as the cause of delay.
D. For households that failed to appear for
				an interview, MDHS must have notified the household of the missed appointment
				and advised the household of its responsibility to reschedule the interview. If
				the household fails to schedule a second interview by the
				30th day or the second interview is postponed by the
				household or rescheduled after the 20th day, but
				before the 30th day following the application filing
				date, the household must appear for the interview, provide verification, and
				register any members for work by the 30th day.
				Otherwise, the delay will be the fault of the household.
E. The household is not entitled to benefits
				for the month of application when the delay was the fault of the household.
				Thus, during days 31-60, benefits will be issued from the date the required
				action was completed by the household.
7 CFR §
											273.2(h)(2)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 2 - Application › Rule 18-14-2.26 - MDHS Delays

Current through June 25, 2024
A. If a worker does
				not take timely action on a case, the delay will be the result of
				MDHS.
B. If the delay in the
				initial 30-day period is the fault of MDHS, it must make the eligibility
				determination as soon as possible.
C. A case must not be denied if the delay is
				caused by MDHS.
D. If the household
				is found to be eligible during the second 30-day period, the household is
				entitled to benefits retroactive to the date of
				application.
7 CFR §
											273.2(h)(3)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 3 - Verification and Documentation › Rule 18-14-3.1 - General

Current through June 25, 2024
Verification is documentation and the use of third party
				  contacts to confirm the accuracy of statements or
				  information.
7 CFR §
											273.2(f)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 3 - Verification and Documentation › Rule 18-14-3.2 - Request for Verification

Current through June 25, 2024
A. MDHS must notify
				households in writing of any verification documents required to verify the
				information written on the application (initial or recertification) or
				discussed during the interview.
B.
				MDHS must allow the household ten (10) days to provide the required
				verification.
7 CFR §
											273.2(c)(5);
				  7 CFR §
										273.2(f)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 3 - Verification and Documentation › Rule 18-14-3.4 - Mandatory Verification at Recertification

Current through June 25, 2024
The required verifications at recertification are located in
Rule 33.10
				  Recertification Verification.
7 CFR §
											273.14(b)(4);
				  7 CFR §
										273.2(f)(8)(i)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 3 - Verification and Documentation › Rule 18-14-3.5 - Verification of Questionable Information

Current through June 25, 2024
A. MDHS must
				verify all other factors of eligibility it deems questionable and affect the
				household's eligibility and benefit level prior to certification of the
				household.
B. To be considered
				questionable, the information on the application must be inconsistent with
				statements made by the applicant, inconsistent with other information on the
				application or previous application, or inconsistent with information received
				by the county.
7 CFR §
											273.2(f)(2)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 3 - Verification and Documentation › Rule 18-14-3.6 - State Option

Current through June 25, 2024
A. States may elect
				to mandate verification for factors besides those in
Rule
				3.3 Mandatory Verification at Initial
				Application
that affect household eligibility and benefit levels.
				Statute has set Mississippi's option.
B. MDHS also requires verification of
				household size, resources and loans, other shelter costs, dependent care costs,
				and any other expenses.
7 CFR §
											273.2(f)(3); Miss Code Ann.
				  §
										43-12-29
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 14 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Manual › Chapter 3 - Verification and Documentation › Rule 18-14-3.7 - Verification Sources-Written Evidence

Current through June 25, 2024
A. The worker shall
				use documentary evidence as the primary source of verification of the
				household's circumstances besides residency and household size.
B. Although documentary evidence shall be the
				primary source of verification," the household cannot be limited to a specific
				type of document.
C. Documentary
				evidence may be provided in person, through the mail, by fax or other
				electronic means or through an authorized representative.
7 CFR §
											273.2(f)(4)(i);
				  7 CFR §
										273.2(f)(5)