TAFDC Time Standards for Verification

(A) Except in cases of immediate need (see 106 CMR 702.125: Application Activities), no benefit may be provided unless all required verifications are received. If verification is needed before providing a benefit, the client must be immediately notified of the specific verification needed, the time period for the verification, and the consequences of late or missing verifications. (B) Immediate Notification means: (1) Hand delivered written notice on the date of the in-person request for a benefit; (2) Notice mailed immediately or no later than three calendar days of receiving a mailed benefit request; or (3) Verbal notice on the date of a telephone request for a benefit, followed by written notice immediately or no later than three calendar days. No written notice is required if the request is for a Temporary MassHealth Card. (C) Once notified, the client must give the required verification in a timely manner, as provided in 106 CMR 701.530: TAFDC Table of Time Standards. Client verification time is counted in consecutive calendar days beginning on the day after the Department hand delivers or mails verification requirements, and includes the day when the last item of required verification is received by the Department. If Department notice to the client is late, the time period for verification is counted from the actual date of notification. Failure to provide the required verification timely will postpone the date on which the Department must provide the benefit. However, if the Department does not notify the client of verification requirements, the time period for Department action is not extended. (D) Where a client is late in providing required verification, but does so within 30 days of notification (or 45 days for TAFDC-Related Services as detailed in 106 CMR 701.530(E)), the request must be processed. If timely and adequate notice has been given, and verification has not been provided by the end of 30 days (or 45 days for TAFDC-Related Services) after it was requested, or if verification provided establishes that the client is not eligible, the benefit is denied. The client has the right to reapply.