(1) A new applicant must:
(a) submit an application to the department in writing on the form and in the manner prescribed by the department together with all income information and documentation supporting eligibility; and
(b) ensure that the application's witness and certification of economic need statements are signed prior to submission of the application.
(2) Application forms may be obtained from the department.
(3) Upon receipt, an application will be reviewed by the department to determine if it is complete. If it is not complete, the department will request the information lacking.
(4) The department will notify a claimant of the approval or denial of his application as soon as possible after the department receives either it or all the information needed to complete it.
(5) The claimant must provide the department with a new written application for the continuation of program benefits at the end of the period during which the claimant is entitled to benefits, as determined in ARM 37.55.202. If the department receives the new application and can verify continued eligibility before the current benefit period expires, benefits shall continue uninterrupted provided funding is available.
(6) Upon being determined eligible, the claimant will receive an ESRD identification card and identification number which may be referred to by vendors in the billing process. In order to be valid, the card must be signed on the reverse side by the claimant and countersigned by a person authorized to sign for the ESRD.