1. (a) This section does not apply in an emergency.

2. (b) If, before granting township assistance, the township trustee determines that an applicant or a member of an applicant's household may be eligible for public assistance other than township assistance, the applicant or household member shall, when referred by the township trustee, make an application and comply with all necessary requirements for completing the application process for public assistance administered by:

   1. (1) the division of family resources and county offices; or
   2. (2) any other federal or state governmental entity.

3. (c) An applicant or a household member who fails to:

   1. (1) file an application as specified in subsection (b); and

   2. (2) show evidence that the application, as referred by the township trustee, was filed not more than fifteen (15) working days after the township trustee's referral;

      may be denied township assistance for not more than sixty (60) days.

As added by P.L.51-1996, SEC.24. Amended by P.L.73-2005, SEC.32; P.L.145-2006, SEC.114.