WAC 388-406-0040 What happens if the processing of my application is delayed?

1. We process your application for benefits as soon as possible.  We do not intentionally delay processing your application for benefits for any reason.  If we have enough information to decide eligibility for:

   1. Basic Food, we promptly process your request for benefits even if we need more information to determine eligibility for cash or medical;

   2. Medical assistance, we promptly process your request for medical even if we need more information to determine eligibility for cash or Basic Food.

2. If your application for Basic Food assistance is not processed within the first thirty days, you have completed your required interview under WAC 388-452-0005 and we have enough information to determine eligibility, we promptly process your application. If additional information is needed to determine eligibility, we give you:

   1. A written request for the additional information; and

   2. An additional thirty days to provide the information.

3. If you fail to keep or reschedule your interview in the first 30 calendar days after filing your application, your application will be denied on the 30th day. If you are still interested in Basic Food benefits, you will need to reapply. Benefits will be based on your second application date.

4. If we have not processed your application for Basic Food by the sixtieth day and

   1. You are responsible for the delay, we deny your request for benefits;

   2. We are responsible for the delay, we:

      1. Promptly process your request if we have the information needed to determine eligibility; or

      2. Deny your request if we don't have enough information to determine eligibility. If we deny your request we notify you of your right to file a new application and that you may be entitled to benefits lost.

5. If you reapply by the sixtieth day of your first application, met your interview requirements under WAC 388-452-0005, and are eligible, we give you benefits lost from:

   1. The date of your first application if we caused the delay in the first thirty days; or

   2. The month following the month of your first application if you caused the delay in the first thirty days.