<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 07.03.16.04" title_num="07" subtitle_num="03" chapter_num="16" heading="Application Process.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The LDSS shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Determine RCA eligibility for individuals determined ineligible for TCA; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Refer individuals who are 65 years old or older or who are blind or disabled promptly to the Social Security Administration to apply for SSI.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Right to File.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An individual is entitled to file an application, and may be assisted by an individual of choice in the various aspects of the application process and the determination of eligibility.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A LDSS shall have available and distribute publications explaining Program features and requirements, rights and responsibilities, and appeals procedures in understandable and simple language.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Application.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The LDSS shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Require an individual applying for RCA to file an application specified by the LDSS and approved by the Department;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Advise the individual of the eligibility factors to be verified, and the types of proofs the LDSS will accept to determine eligibility;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Notify applicants and recipients that the signed application constitutes their consent to permit the Department to request information from any entity to assist in determining eligibility;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Limit access to information received from records of public or private entities in accordance with the confidentiality provisions in COMAR 07.01.07; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Provide all individuals receiving benefits under RCA with clear and timely notice of their rights.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The application shall be signed under penalty of perjury by:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The applicant;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>An authorized representative of the applicant; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Someone acting responsibly for the applicant if the applicant is incompetent or incapacitated.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Verification.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The LDSS shall verify the following factors of RCA eligibility:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Countable income;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Countable assets;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Social Security number for each household member or proof of application for a new or replacement card; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Immigration status.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The LDSS may require verification of any information provided by the individual that is questionable as described in §E of this regulation, incomplete, or outdated.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The primary source for obtaining verification is the applicant or recipient.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The LDSS shall provide a list of required verifications and assist the applicant, recipient, or the representative in obtaining the necessary verifications.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Information is questionable if information provided by the household is inconsistent with:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Statements made by the applicant;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Information on the application; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Information otherwise received by the LDSS.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Case Record. The LDSS shall establish and maintain a paper and an electronic RCA case record that contains:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Narration;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Verifications; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Other documentation related to the RCA assistance unit.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>