52:15D-9 Provision of timeline to TBRA applicant.

7. Within 60 days of the effective date of P.L.2015, c.102 (C.52:15D-3 et seq.), the department shall:

a. Provide each applicant to the TBRA program with a timeline setting forth a general estimation of the time in which an applicant can expect to receive assistance through the TBRA program, based upon the department's past experience administering funds through the TBRA program. The timeline shall track the process of applying for assistance from the TBRA program from the time an applicant files his or her application.

b. Provide each applicant to the TBRA program with information about the status of his or her individual application, including;

(1) the date on which the department received the application;

(2) a list of all required documents or other verifications submitted by the applicant related to the application and the date on which the department received each document; and

(3) a list of all documents or other verifications which still need to be submitted by the applicant in order to complete the TBRA application and the date on which each item must be received.

c. Upon request from an applicant to the TBRA program appealing a decision to deny the applicant benefits under the program, provide to the applicant information about the status of his or her appeal, including:

(1) the date on which the applicant filed the appeal;

(2) all pending reviews of the appeal and the date of any upcoming hearings related to the appeal;

(3) the department's final determination, if one is made as of the date the request for information is fulfilled, or otherwise the date on which the applicant can expect that the department will make a final determination concerning the appeal;

(4) a list of all documents related to the appeal and the date on which each document was filed; and

(5) an explanation for any decision to deny an application for aid, and, if eventual approval is still possible, an explanation for ways to remedy the application.

d. In the event the department denies an appeal by a TBRA applicant, the department shall refer the applicant to a housing counselor who is certified by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development or is part of a program established by the department to provide housing counseling to people impacted by Superstorm Sandy.

L.2015, c.102, s.7; amended 2017, c.15, s.4.