109.01 Filing an Application SR 94-50, 09/94 (FSM-A)

Individuals have the right to file an application on the same day they contact the District Office. Advise individuals that they may file the application before an interview is conducted.

Each District Office must post signs which explain the right to file an application on the same day they contact the office.

Assist individuals in completing Form 800, if they request help.

Accept Form 800 and 800P if it contains a request for assistance, the applicant's name and address, and the signature of the applicant, another responsible member of the household, or an authorized representative.

. Calculate time frames for determining eligibility and providing benefits from the date the application is filed in the correct District Office. See Parts 117 and 123 for time frames.

. If the application is filed in the correct office, stamp the application with the date of receipt.

. If the individual mails the application to the wrong office, date stamp and forward the form to the appropriate office on the same day. See the General Manual, Item 39, District Office Catchment Areas.

Exception: Process the Food Stamp portion of the application immediately for applications received in the wrong D.O. if the case meets the criteria for Expedited Food Stamps.

. If the individual contacts the wrong office, either in person or by telephone, do all of the following:

- give them the address and telephone number of the correct office,

- offer to forward the application to the correct office on the same day. The form must contain the minimum information necessary for filing an application

When a resident of an institution applies prior to leaving the institution, the filing date of the application is the date the applicant is released from the institution.

Exceptions:

. Inmates of NH State Prison facilities who are enrolled in a pre-release program may apply prior to their release. The filing date of the application is the first day of the month in which the applicant is released, regardless of the actual release date.

. The filing date for pure SSI households who apply at a Social Security Administration (SSA) office is the date SSA receives the signed application.