SIMPLIFIED APPLICATION FORMS.

SEC. 310. SIMPLIFIED APPLICATION FORMS. Section 11(e)(2) (7 U.S.C. 2020(e)(2)), is amended by inserting after “exigencies as determined by the Secretary” the following: “, and in approving such deviation, the Secretary takes into account whether such State forms are easy to use, brief and readable. In consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary shall develop a program to provide assistance to States that request assistance in the development of brief, simply-written and readable application forms including application forms that cover the food stamp program, the aid to families with dependent children program under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), and medical assistance programs administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.). Each food stamp application form shall contain, in plain and prominent language on its front cover, a place where applicants can write their names, addresses, and signatures, and instructions in understandable terms informing households of their right to file the application without immediately completing additional sections, describing the expe-102 STAT. 1661 dited processing requirements of section 11(e)(9) and informing households that benefits are provided only from the date of application”.