What action must be taken with incomplete applications containing beneficiary information?

When dealing with incomplete applications that contain beneficiary information, the correct course of action is to dispose of them via cross-cut shredding. This method is critical because it ensures that sensitive personal information is permanently destroyed, minimizing the risk of data breaches or identity theft. The nature of the information in these applications often includes confidential details about individuals, and securing this data is paramount for compliance with privacy regulations and maintaining trust with beneficiaries.

Cross-cut shredding is considered one of the most effective means of document destruction because it renders documents unreadable and irretrievable. Storing incomplete applications in a secure location or summarizing the information and filing it away does not eliminate the risk of exposing sensitive data. Likewise, reviewing incomplete applications every year does not address the urgency of protecting the information contained within them. Thus, the most appropriate and responsible action is to ensure their complete destruction through cross-cut shredding.