1.3.1  Application Processing Timeframe

Within five working days of the application date, the W-2 agency must process the EA application, which includes:

1.             Determining Eligibility (see 1.3.2);

2.             Entering all EA applications in WWP (see 4.4.2);

3.             Issuing an Eligibility Notice of Decision (see 1.3.3); and

4.             Issuing Payments (see 1.3.4).

The application date is used to determine the five working days timeframe. Day one is the first working day after the application date. Day five ends at the close of business on the fifth working day after the application date. If the agency date stamp is different from the date the applicant signed the application, the date stamp is the date that is used to calculate the five working days timeframe for processing EA.

 

EXAMPLE 1: Inez inquired about EA on Tuesday, May 29th. She completed an EA application on the same day and the W-2 agency date stamped the completed EA application as received on May 29. Inez had to pick up her children from school, so she was unable to wait to meet with an EA worker that day to complete the meeting. Inez met with an EA worker on Thursday, May 31st, when the worker reviewed the EA application and Inez reviewed each assurance statement. The W-2 agency used the date of the agency date stamp (May 29th) to begin the five working days timeframe for processing the EA application, therefore Tuesday, June 5 is day five of the five working days timeframe for processing the EA application.

 

EXAMPLE 2: Jonathan applied in ACCESS the morning of Wednesday, February 23rd. ACCESS processes the application with an application date of that day, 2/23. Jonathan also scheduled a phone meeting in ACCESS for the following day (2/24, day 1) to continue with the application process when he is able to take the call in private, to ensure his attention and confidentiality. The EA worker has until Wednesday, March 2 to process the EA application in the five working days timeframe.

 

 

History: Release 23-01; Release 22-04; Release 21-01; Release 20-01.