Policy Directive                                                      Issuance Number: FSC 04-18

Food Stamp Certification Manual                     Issuance Date: 10-15-04

From: Joni Jones, Director                                Expiration Date: Until Superseded

Subj: Accepting Faxed Applications

Faxed applications or Requests for Assistance (DCO-215) will be accepted as valid applications in the Food Stamp, Medicaid and TEA Programs.

When a faxed application is received, the application date will be the date the fax is received.  Caseworkers should request that the client provide the original application form.  However, no application will be denied or delayed for approval due to non-receipt of the original form.

The faxed application must contain the applicant’s name, address and signature of the applicant, authorized representative or a responsible household member.  If the faxed application is not signed, it will be returned for signature.  The date of application will be the date the signed application is received. 

If any information, including the signature, on the faxed application is not legible, the caseworker will follow up with the applicant to secure a legible form, either through fax or mail.  The date the original illegible fax was received will be the date of application. 

Applications received in the wrong office will be faxed by the receiving office to the correct location the day of receipt.  The original date of receipt will be preserved as the date of application.

Inquiries to:       Jack Tiner, 501-682-8259

                        Betty Helmbeck, 501-682-8284

                        Gerry Reed, 501-682-8253