<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" citation="COMAR 07.03.03.05" title_num="07" subtitle_num="03" chapter_num="03" heading="Decision on Application.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The local department shall make a decision as to payment of cash assistance as promptly as possible but not later than 30 calendar days following the date the signed application for TCA is received in the local department.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>If the assistance unit is eligible in the month of application, the TCA grant begins the date the signed application is received in the local department.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If the assistance unit is not eligible in the month of application, the TCA grant begins the first day of the following month.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>The local department shall specify a period of eligibility for TCA that is not more than 12 months.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>An applicant is not eligible when:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The assistance unit does not meet need requirements or technical factors of eligibility;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The applicant withdraws the application; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>There is insufficient information to determine eligibility.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>The local department shall dispose of an application by a finding of eligibility or ineligibility unless:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The applicant voluntarily withdraws the application, and there is an entry in the case record that a notice has been sent to confirm the applicant's voluntary withdrawal; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>There is an entry in the case record that the application has been disposed of because the head of household died or could not be located.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>The local department shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Provide written notice to the applicant to indicate either the authorized amount of financial assistance, or the denial or termination of assistance; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Include on the notice:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The action taken;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The regulation supporting the action; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>An explanation of the individual's right to request an administrative hearing about the decision.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>