Precautionary measures will remain in effect to help protect the health and safety of the community.
DCCA-NAP stated that households that are currently approved will see their certifications extended without the need to renew.
However, “all households are still required to report within 10 business days regarding changes to their household circumstances such as changes in household size, income, resources, etc.”
In addition, the following changes have also been made:
Households with No Reported Income
Certifications Expiring on March 2020 be extended to June 2020
Certifications Expiring on April 2020 be extended to July 2020
Certifications Expiring on May 2020 be extended to August 2020
Households with Reported Income
Certifications Expiring on March 2020 be extended to September 2020
Certifications Expiring on April 2020 be extended to October 2020
Certifications Expiring on May 2020 be extended to November 2020
Furthermore, Supplemental Security Income or SSI households expiring between March 2020 and November 2020 will be extended to December 2020.
As for the distribution of benefits for April, NAP stated that it will be distributing the benefits through a drive-thru service at the NAP office location in As Lito. Beneficiaries will not be required to leave their vehicle once on-site.
Certain Nutrition Assistance Program procedures and services were amended on Sunday, including the transition to strict drive-thru pickup of NAP benefits. Office of the Governor photo
The drive-thru service aims to ensure safety and protection of the public and NAP personnel from Covid-19. There will be no walk-in service available until April 16, 2020.
Additionally, “only those whose names appear on the valid NAP Identification Card may receive their household’s benefits. The individual must have a valid photo identification card, such as a valid driver’s license or passport.”
NAP also released the following issuance schedule for Saipan:
April 1, Wednesday
Case Records Ending with “1”
April 2, Thursday
Case Records Ending with “2”
April 3, Friday
Case Records Ending with “3”
April 6, Monday
Case Records Ending with “4”
April 7, Tuesday
Case Records Ending with “5”
April 8, Wednesday
Case Records Ending with “6”
April 9, Thursday
Case Records Ending with “7”
April 13, Monday
Case Records Ending with “8”
April 14, Tuesday
Case Records Ending with “9”
April 15, Wednesday
Case Records Ending with “0”
April 16, Thursday
Open Day
“Open Day” is intended for households that missed or were unable to pick up their benefits according to the issuance schedule.
NAP will strictly enforce the issuance schedule: There will be no early issuances of benefits.
Furthermore, class-setting orientations will temporarily be discontinued. Instead of in-person orientations, applicants will be issued a paper version of the orientation, as well as an application.
The applicant must first read and comprehend the paper orientation prior to being scheduled for an interview. The applicant is encouraged to then contact the NAP office to schedule an interview, and ask any questions s/he might have during the interview.
Additionally, the interviewer will provide additional information to the applicant regarding reporting changes, penalties, etc.
“The NAP Certification Unit is responsible for receiving applications and making appropriate determination on applications. In all instances, applicants will be contacted via telephone to be scheduled an appointment for a phone interview. There will be no in-person interviews,” NAP stated.
Should NAP applicants be required to submit affidavits without being notarized, their affidavits must include the following statement:
“I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct and that this declaration was executed on ___________________________ at _______________________, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands.”
Furthermore, recipients who were not exempted from the work registration requirements are required to report to the Department of Labor-Division of Employment Services and register for work.
However, due to the government office closure, the work registration is suspended through May 30, 2020.
NAP will continue to provide updates of any new or extension of waivers. To request an application and orientation packet, visit the certification unit at the NAP office in As Lito.
To schedule an appointment for submitted applications, or to check the status of submitted applications, applicants are encouraged to contact the NAP office at 237-2801 or 237-2802.
For more information, contact NAP at 237-2842 or 237-2843.
