<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" citation="COMAR 07.03.16.05" title_num="07" subtitle_num="03" chapter_num="16" heading="Decision on Application.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The LDSS shall make a decision as to payment of cash assistance as promptly as possible but not later than 30 calendar days from the date of the signed application for RCA.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>If the LDSS determines that a refugee has an urgent need for RCA, the LDSS shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Process the application as quickly as possible; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Issue the initial payment to the refugee on an emergency basis.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If the assistance unit is eligible in the month of application, the RCA grant begins the date the signed application is received in the LDSS.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>If the assistance unit is not eligible in the month of application, the RCA grant begins the first day of the following month.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>The LDSS shall specify a period of eligibility for RCA that is not more than an 8-month period beginning the month:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The refugee enters the U.S.; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Asylum or victim of severe trafficking in persons status was effective.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>An applicant is not eligible if:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The assistance unit does not meet 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="G.">
    <text>The LDSS 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 notification to the agency; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>There is an entry in the case record that the application has been disposed of because the applicant died or could not be located.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>The LDSS shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Provide written notice to the applicant to indicate either the:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Authorized amount of financial assistance; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Denial or termination of assistance; and</text>
      </paragraph>
    </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>