101-7          TIMELINESS STANDARDS

Public assistance applications will be acted on promptly in accordance with the timeliness standards prescribed for each program. The caseworker and supporting DPADivision of Public Assistance staff will do everything possible not to exceed these timeliness standards.

Caseworkers may not use the application processing time limits as a waiting period before making a final eligibility decision, or as a reason for denying the application.

Refer to the program manuals for information on what to do when the application is delayed.

When documenting the date of receipt for applications and recertification, the date of receipt is the date the application or recertification was received in a DPADivision of Public Assistance office, from a fee agent or an NFAPNative Family Assistance Program agency.

For DPADivision of Public Assistance offices that have drop boxes, staff must ensure the drop box is checked at 5:00 pm during closing time. Any application or recertification in the drop box after 5:00 pm will be considered as received the next business day. Applications or recertification submitted during the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) will be stamped as received on Monday, or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday.

The received dates for faxed and scanned applications or recertification will also be identified based on the time stamp on the document. Any application or recertification with a time stamp of after 5:00 pm will be considered as received the next business day. Applications or recertification submitted during the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) will be stamped as received on Monday, or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday.

The received date for applications submitted through the ARIESAlaska's Resource for Integrated Eligibility Services Self-Service Portal or Alaska Connect Portal will be identified based on the time stamp on the document. The date of receipt is the date stamped on the online applications.