Section 410.40  Organization and Administration

a)         Delegation of Responsibility

1)         The State Coordinating Officer shall be the Governor's authorized representative for the implementation of the Individual and Family Grant Program.

2)         The State shall publicize the availability of the Individual and Family Grant Program to potential applicants.

3)         The State shall be responsible for interviewing applicants, receiving applications, and establishing case files.

4)         The State shall staff the Federal/State Disaster Assistance Centers for the purpose of accepting grant applications.

5)         The State shall be responsible for the verification of the necessary expenses and serious needs for which grant assistance has been requested.

6)         An Administrative Panel shall review each application and determine eligibility and grant amount.  Criteria for eligibility determination is set forth in Section 410.50.  Grant amount will be based on Maximum Standard Personal Property Values.

7)         The State shall notify every applicant by letter of the eligibility determination made on their application.

8)         The Appeals Coordinator shall consider each appeal within fifteen calendar days of receipt.  Documentation provided by the applicant-appellant will be reviewed to determine if the applicant-appellant has, subsequent to denial by the Administrative Panel, demonstrated compliance with the requirements of Section 410.50.  All determinations by the Appeals Coordinator will be final.

b)         Time Limitations

1)         Applications will be accepted for 60 days following the date on which the major disaster was declared.

2)         Applications filed after the 60 day filing period, but within 90 days following the date on which the major disaster was declared, will be reviewed by the Grant Coordinating Officer.  The review will center on documentation provided by the applicant indicating the applicant's inability to apply within the specified time frame due to circumstances either unavoidable to or beyond the control of the applicant, such as in cases where the applicant is physically unable to apply or to examine the damage because of illness or injury, or because the disaster itself has kept the applicant out of the disaster area.  If it is determined that good cause existed for the late filing, the application will be accepted and the case file documented as to the reason for acceptance.  If such a determination cannot be made, the application will be rejected.