Bilingual Staff, Interpreter, and Translator Requirements

A. Local offices determined by the State Department to have a significant population of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) households shall provide sufficient bilingual staff and/or translators for the timely processing of applications. Local office staff shall be trained and familiar with these procedures. B. During those periods when there is a significant influx of seasonal or migrant farmworkers, local offices shall provide sufficient bilingual staff and/or translators for the timely processing of such applicants. C. If translators or interpreters are utilized, the local office shall ensure that the translators or interpreters are readily available to assist in pre-screening clients for expedited processing standards and completing the interview and other activities necessary to determine the eligibility of the applicant household. The local office shall not require the client to provide a translator or interpreter, or to in any way imply that an interpreter is required, as a condition for being pre- screened or interviewed by the local office, nor shall the local office postpone or in any way delay the pre-screening process or appointments because of the unavailability of bilingual staff or translators/interpreters.