FY 2006 Application Processing Timeliness

FNS evaluates application processing timeliness (APT) as part of the quality control (QC) review process. State QC reviewers evaluate APT during the State QC review. For States potentially eligible for performance bonuses (the top 10 or so) Federal QC reviewers validate timeliness for all cases and Federal/State disagreements about timeliness are subject to arbitration. Timeliness is calculated by dividing the number of cases timely processed by the number of cases subject to the timeliness measure. A case is considered processed timely if the household has an opportunity to participate within seven days of the application date for expedited service cases and within 30 days of the application date for regular processing cases. This measure is not a strict measure of regulatory compliance. In some cases, applicant-caused delay (such as missing an interview on an expedited application) may result in the action being coded as untimely although the State agency was in full compliance with program regulations. Cases that are properly pended for the household's failure to provide verification are excluded from the measure.

(Oct 05-Sept 06)

Last modified: 11/21/2008