Effective April 1, 2017, the call center began accepting applications via telephone for SNAP, TANF, and MA Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. MA only applications will be routed to Cover VA. Citizens requesting to renew their benefits will be directed to www.commonhelp.virginia.gov/access/ or to the local agency. The call center began taking applications for EAP in June of 2017. Application Specialists will enter application content into VaCMS via RDE, and telephonic signatures will be accepted (for applications taken by the call center only). Upon completion, the electronic application will be routed to the applicable FIPS for interviewing and processing. The call center will not determine eligibility nor will they take application for renewals. In addition, Application Specialists will respond to basic citizen inquiries related to the services they wish to apply for or are currently receiving. This shall include, but is not limited to:
• Status of Application or Current Case • Amount of Benefits Authorized • Date of Benefit Issuance • Benefit Eligibility Period • Appeals Referral • Application Renewal • Verification of Receipt of Benefits