Page 44

ESA SNAP Policy Manual 28 household while at the facility. Residents of group living arrangements have the option to apply and be certified through the use of authorized representatives employed by the group living arrangement or of their choice. These entities may not be authorized representatives:  ESA employees who are involved in certifying or issuing SNAP benefits, unless they have written approval from an ESA designated authority (i.e. administrator or DPT&QA deputy administrator) after determining that no one else is available to serve  Retailers authorized to accept SNAP benefits unless they have the specific written approval of an ESA designated authority (i.e. administrator or DPT&QA deputy administrator) after determining that no one else is available to serve  Organizations that provide meals for homeless recipients  Individuals who served as an authorized representative and knowingly provided false information about household circumstances or made improper use of SNAP benefits  Individuals disqualified for an IPV that are still in their disqualification period, unless the designated ESA authority determines that no one else is available to serve as an authorized representative for the household. The ESA designated authority (i.e. administrator or DPT&QA deputy administrator) must separately determine whether the individual is needed to apply on behalf of the household or obtain benefits on behalf of the household. 3.1.3 Who May Sign an Application The following individuals may sign a SNAP application:  An adult household member or the authorized representative  A child under age 18 who does not live with a parent, relative or other responsible adult and is not under parental control Legal Authority Definitions (District): DC Official Code § 4–201.01(1A) and § 4–201.01(5A) 3.2 Household’s Rights to Apply Every applicant has the following rights:  Apply for assistance without delay, including the following rights: − Receive and file an application for benefits the same business day they contact ESA. − Receive help to complete the application and obtain needed verification, provided the household is cooperating with ESA. − Have an application mailed or emailed on the same business day to individuals requesting an application. Return