For purposes of this chapter, in addition to those definitions found in 10-1-1304, MCA, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Active duty" has the meaning provided in 38 USC 1965(1)(A) and generally means full-time duty in the armed forces, other than active duty for training.

(2) "Application" means MMFRF Form 1, MMFRF Form 2, or MMFRF Form 3, as applicable, and the supporting documentation required by these rules.

(3) "National guard" has the meaning provided in 10-1-101, MCA.

(4) "Reserve" means a Montana resident who is a member of a reserve component, as defined in 38 USC 101, of the United States armed forces.

(1) The grant applicant must submit a completed MMFRF Form 1 to the Department of Military Affairs, ATTN: Centralized Services.

(1) The grant applicant must submit:

(a) A completed MMFRF Form 2 to the Department of Military Affairs, ATTN: Centralized Services.

(b) With the completed MMFRF Form 2, the applicant must supply one, but may supply both, of the following to support the application:

(i) a copy of a payroll record from the member's civilian employer that indicates the member's monthly salary plus a copy of a military payroll record that indicates the member's monthly salary; alternatively, the applicant must provide proof that the member's monthly military pay and allowances, combined, are at least 30% less than the member's monthly civilian wages or income; or

(ii) proof that the member or family member is experiencing a significant emergency that warrants financial assistance, including, but not limited to, specific monetary expenses related to clothing, food, housing, utilities, medical services, medical prescriptions, insurance, or vehicle payments. Such proof shall include, but is not limited to, a copy of a bill, invoice, estimate, cancellation notice, or any other similar record.

(1) The grant applicant must submit the following:

(a) A completed MMFRF Form 3 to the Department of Military Affairs, ATTN: Centralized Services.

(b) Proof of award of a Purple Heart.

(1) Complete applications must be received by the Department of Military Affairs while the member is on active duty for federal service in a contingency operation.

(2) Complete applications may be submitted via facsimile or e-mail. The original complete application must be submitted before payments can be authorized and before the application is placed in the payment queue.

(3) Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.

(4) Upon receipt of a complete application, via facsimile, e-mail, or original, the Department of Military Affairs will verify the member's eligibility and Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) enrollment. Upon receipt of the original complete application, the Department of Military Affairs will process the complete application in an expeditious manner.

(1) With respect to review of needs-based grant applications, the review process may include consideration of other state assistance provided to the applicant. Information on other state assistance available to any committee member through the agency records of the committee member may be considered, unless prohibited by applicable law on dissemination of such information. Grant applicants may also be required to consent to release of information on other state assistance as a condition for qualifying for any needs-based grant.

(1) The applicant must specifically address the basis for the original denial and provide further proof as to why the applicant's grant request should be approved. Resubmission of the original application without additional proof will result in automatic denial of appeal.

(2) The Adjutant General or his/her designee shall consider the applicant's appeal and inform the applicant of the decision.

(1) Payments will be made to eligible members or family members. Payments will not be made to creditors, and payments will be subject to applicable deductions.

(2) If adequate funds are not available, the application will be held in a queue until funds are available.