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Timely Recertification
Definition [63-504.61(c)(1)-(3)]
A timely recertification occurs when:
- A household completes and files the necessary forms for recertification by the 15th day of the last month of the certification period.
- Any recertification which is not completed within these time frames is considered to be untimely.
Right to Uninterrupted Benefits [63-504.616, 63-504.618]
A household which files a timely application for recertification is entitled to uninterrupted benefits. This means that benefits for the first month of the new certification period must be issued by the household's normal issuance date.
A household loses its right to uninterrupted benefits if it fails without good cause to:
- File a timely reapplication.
- Appear for an interview or be available for a telephone interview regardless if the reapplication was filed timely.
HH Cooperation [63-505.11]
To determine eligibility the head of household, or its AR, must, on behalf of the entire household including excluded household members and SSI recipients:
- Complete and sign the application forms.
- Be interviewed.
- Provide required verifications. (Verification of a deduction is not required unless the household is non-Categorically Eligible, and fails to pass the monthly gross or net tests without it.)
If the household, including excluded household members and SSI recipients, refuses (not fails) to cooperate, deny the application for recertification.
- Refusal to cooperate decisions must be made on a case-by-case basis. The household must have been able to cooperate and clearly demonstrated that it chose not to.
- If there is any question as to whether the household has merely “failed” to cooperate, rather than “refused” to cooperate, the household's application shall not be denied.
- Clearly document household's refusal to cooperate.
Notice of Action (NOA) Requirements
An approval or denial NOA must be sent prior to the end of the household's current certification period. A 10-day NOA is not required to decrease benefits for the first month of a new certification period. This is technically considered an approval of recertification (even though it is for a lower benefit amount), rather than a decrease in benefits.
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