Designating Authorized Representatives

A. The head of the household, spouse, or any other responsible household member may designate in writing someone to act on behalf of the household to apply, obtain an EBT card, and/or use the EBT card to purchase food for the household. In instances where a household needs an authorized representative but is unable to obtain one, the local office will assist such a household in finding one. The local office will assure that authorized representatives are properly designated; that is, the name of the authorized representative and the justification for appointing a person outside the household shall be maintained as part of the household's permanent case record. 1. Submitting an Application The authorized representative must be a person who is sufficiently aware of relevant household circumstances. Whenever possible, the head of the household or spouse should prepare or review the application even though another household member or an authorized representative is the person interviewed. The local office shall inform the household that the household will be held liable for any over-issuance which results from erroneous information given by the authorized representative. 2. Obtaining an EBT Card An authorized representative may be designated to obtain an EBT card for the household at the time the household applies for participation. The authorized representative responsible for obtaining an EBT card may be the same individual designated to apply for the household or may be another individual. Even if a household member can apply and obtain an EBT card, the household should be encouraged to name an authorized representative responsible for obtaining an EBT card in case of illness or other circumstances which might result in an inability to obtain SNAP benefits. 3. Using an EBT Card The authorized representative may use the household’s EBT card to purchase food for the household's consumption provided the authorized representative is acting with the full knowledge and consent of the household. 4. Restrictions An authorized representative may act on behalf of more than one household and limits shall not be placed on the number of households an authorized representative may represent, but such an arrangement should be approved only if there is a bona fide need. In determining such need, consideration shall be given to the proximity of the households to one another, the distance to the certification or issuance office, the availability of transportation, and the health of the household members involved. In the event employers, such as those that employ migrants, are designated as authorized representatives or that a single authorized representative has access to multiple EBT cards, the certification office should make certain that: a. The household has freely requested the assistance of the authorized representative; b The household's circumstances are correctly stated and the household is receiving the correct amount of benefits; and, c. The authorized representative is properly using the EBT card. B. In the event the only adult living with a household is classified as a non-household member, that individual may be the authorized representative for the minor household members.