2.1.1 Initial Certifications (Applications)

2.1.1.1 Application Methods
2.1.1.2 Application Process
2.1.1.3 Reserved
2.1.1.4 Reserved
2.1.1.5 SSA Participation in FoodShare Applications

7 CFR 273.2(c)

Local agencies must encourage persons to file an application and set a filing date for FoodShare on the same day they express an interest in FoodShare or concerns about food insecurity. Applications can be submitted with only a name, address, and signature. The application signature can be written, electronic, or telephonic.

Submitting a signed application (online, phone, or paper) sets a filing date for benefits. Setting a filing date requires only the applicant’s name, address, and signature. A filing date is the date that FoodShare benefits can start. The filing date is set the same day, or the next business day if received after the regularly scheduled business hours, the application is received.

Additionally, the filing date can be set by a late FoodShare ACCESS renewal – a renewal received by the agency in the month following renewal due month. A signed Pre-printed Renewal Form (PPRF) received in the month following renewal due month also sets a filing date.

If an applicant chooses not to set a filing date the same day that they contact the agency, the FoodShare Application (F-16019) must be provided if requested.

To be considered valid, the signature must be completed by an adult household member, an authorized representative, emancipated minor, or by a minor that does not have someone exercising parental authority over them. If an application is signed by a minor and parental authority is later established, a new signature would be required and the date which the new signature is collected would set the filing date. Legal guardians, powers of attorney, or conservators may be able to apply on behalf of the applicant (see Section 2.1.3.3 Use of an Authorized Representative).

The agency must not require more than one application or application signature, regardless of the method of application.

Local agencies must not discourage individuals from applying for FoodShare, including if their application or benefits for another program have been denied or terminated. In those situations, the local agency must encourage the individuals to continue with the FoodShare application process.

2.1.1.1 Application Methods

Wisconsin offers FoodShare applications in several formats: telephone, paper (F-16019) and an online application through ACCESS webpage.

Paper applications can be submitted in-person, through the mail, or via fax.

2.1.1.1.1 Telephonic Signatures

7 CFR 273.2(c)(7)(viii)

An applicant may sign a FoodShare Application by providing a telephonic signature. A telephonic signature is the same as a written or electronic signature and sets the applicant’s filing date.

Applicants must attest that the information they provided is complete and accurate when providing their telephonic signature.

The agency must use Genesys in order to record a telephonic signature. A copy of the case summary showing that a telephonic signature was collected is stored in the electronic case file. The IM worker must record the signature in Genesys.

Only one signature is needed for an application request. A case summary must be sent to the applicant following the interview but does not require a signature unless changes are made to the summary.

2.1.1.1.2 Faxed Application Registrations

7 CFR 273.2(c)(1)

IM agencies should accept faxed application registrations to initiate the application process and set the filing date. No benefits should be issued, nor should any final determination of an applicant's eligibility be made until an interview is completed. Faxed application registrations received on weekends, holidays, or after hours should be considered received on the first working day following receipt of the application registration.

2.1.1.1.3 Application Registrations at the Wrong Agency Consortia

7 CFR 273.2(c)(2)(ii)

As of June 15, 2009, FoodShare applicants are no longer required to apply for assistance in the county in which they reside. The filing date for FoodShare will be set wherever an application is submitted, regardless of whether the applicant submits the application in the county in which they reside. In January of 2012, IM program administration was taken over by Milwaukee Enrollment Services (MilES), tribal agencies, and 10 consortia groups made up of local county agencies. Each consortium has a call/change center that is responsible for processing and updating cases for all agencies within the consortium.

When an ACCESS application or Request for Assistance (RFA) is submitted to the wrong consortia, the consortia that received the application or RFA should transfer it to the correct consortia inbox the same day that it is submitted to allow the consortia time to review for potential expedited service. The filing date will not be reset when the application or RFA is transferred.

Mailed or faxed applications received by the wrong consortia should be entered into CARES and then transferred to the correct consortia for processing.

2.1.1.2 Application Process

A new FoodShare Application is required when a person or household makes a request for FoodShare benefits and:

They have not received FoodShare benefits in Wisconsin in the current or past month, or
They have received FoodShare benefits, but benefits have been terminated beyond the calendar month following the month of closure.

The application process includes filing and completing an application form (paper, online, telephone), completing a FoodShare interview, and verifying certain information. The agency may not certify a FoodShare assistance group for benefits without a signed application on file.

The FoodShare application process includes multiple steps, including:

Submit an application (setting a filing date) in one of the following ways:
1. Submit a paper FoodShare Application with the minimum required information (name, address, and signature) using the FoodShare Application.
2. Complete an ACCESS application online with an electronic signature.
3. Complete a FoodShare Application over the phone using a telephonic signature (see SECTION 2.1.1.1.1 TELEPHONIC SIGNATURES).
Screen for Priority Services (see SECTION 2.1.4.1 ELIGIBILITY FOR PRIORITY SERVICE AND EXPEDITED ISSUANCE AT APPLICATION).
Complete an interview either in person or by phone (see SECTION 2.1.3.5 TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS).
Verify required information (see SECTION 1.2.1 VERIFICATION INTRODUCTION).
Review all information and then make an eligibility determination (see SECTION 2.1.7 CONFIRMING THE FOODSHARE ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION IN CARES).

Assistance completing the application process (for example, providing an interpreter, meeting disability needs, etc.) must be offered and provided at no cost to the applicant.

FoodShare assistance groups eligible for zero FoodShare benefits in their initial benefit month and a FoodShare allotment greater than zero in the second month will be certified for 12 months beginning with the application month.

Example 1

The 12-month renewal was due by February 28. The member did not complete an interview in the renewal month. It is now April 3, and the member is calling to complete the interview and renewal. In this scenario, the member would need to reapply for FoodShare. This case would require a new signature (see SECTION 2.1.1.1.1 TELEPHONIC SIGNATURE), evaluation for expedited services (see SECTION 2.1.4 EXPEDITED SERVICE AT APPLICATION) along with completing the full application process.

2.1.1.3 Reserved

2.1.1.4 Reserved

2.1.1.5 SSA Participation in FoodShare Applications

7 CFR 273.2(k)

Social Security Administration (SSA) must offer the opportunity to apply for FoodShare to all households where all members are applying for Social Security Insurance (SSI) benefits.

This page last updated in Release Number: 23-02
Release Date: 08/14/2023
Effective Date: 08/14/2023