Concluding the Eligibility Review Process

Each eligibility review shall be concluded by a finding of continued eligibility and calculation of the grant amount, or by a finding of ineligibility. If the worker is unable to complete the eligibility review because the client has died or cannot be located, assistance shall be terminated upon notification of death or after reasonable attempts to locate the client. (See 106 CMR 702.140. Assistance shall be terminated upon proper notification when the worker is unable to complete the eligibility review due to a (1) lack of verification required to determine eligibility, or (2) lack of response to the eligibility review notice. Where termination has occurred solely as the result of lack of verification, and the client subsequently submits the required verifications within 30 calendar days of the termination date, the worker shall determine eligibility based upon information submitted within the 30-calendar-day period following the termination date. If the client is determined to be eligible, assistance shall be authorized retroactive to the date of termination if the verification demonstrates continuous eligibility, or retroactive to the date on which all eligibility factors were met, whichever is later. The client shall be notified of any proposed action that results from the eligibility review in accordance with 106 CMR 702.500. If the client requests an appeal of a reduction/termination of benefits in which the sole issue is the lack of verifications and if the client then provides the required verifications during the appeal process, the Department shall take action in accordance with 106 CMR 343.350(B): Prehearing Adjustment. The eligibility review must be fully supported by the facts in the case record.