TAFDC Time Standards for Department Action

(A) The time standard for Department action on a TAFDC case is the number of days within which the Department must complete the action for the delivery of the benefit. Benefit delivery time is counted in consecutive calendar days beginning on the day after the benefit is asked for, and includes the day when the benefit is provided, or a voucher issued, or a third party is authorized to provide the benefit. Issuance of temporary MassHealth cards is measured in working days. (B) A request for a benefit may be made verbally or in writing by a client or by the client's representative. Any request must be recorded in the case record. The date the request is made must be recorded. When the request is for replacement of a lost or stolen check, the date of the request is the date the client signs a Statement of Loss Form (FCB-1). A request may be made to: the worker assigned to the case, the supervisor of the worker assigned to the case, the Assistant Director or the Director. (C) In all cases, the time standard is the maximum time allowed if the client provides the required verification; however, the requested benefit must be provided as soon as possible. The time standards for providing benefits are extended by the number of days, if any, that a client is late in providing verification. Any delay must be recorded in the case record. (D) If a client asks for a benefit in advance, and the Department action deadline is prior to the date the benefit is needed, then action will be postponed until, but not later than, the date the benefit is needed. (E) Failure to provide a benefit within the allowable time period does not relieve the Department's obligation to provide the benefit.