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Chapter 2 - Responsibilities of Applicants and Recipients INTRODUCTION 2.1

Individuals applying for and/or receiving IMA benefits under the MA, TANF, GC, and/or FS programs are required to fulfill certain responsibilities in order to remain eligible for benefits. The Department and its staff shall inform applicants/recipients verbally and in writing about their responsibilities and what actions will result if they fail to carry them out.

'Recipients' are defined as persons to whom or on whose behalf public assistance is granted. 'Applicants' are defined as adults who do not receive benefits under these programs but who apply for benefits for themselves or other recipients (children or adults).

The following responsibilities are held by recipients/applicants of all benefit programs. (Each individual may have responsibilities and/or additions to these responsibilities based on current statute and case law in the District of Columbia). Failure to fulfill any or all of these responsibilities may result in ineligibility for benefits, ineligibility for future benefits, reduction of benefits, suspension of benefits, and/or termination of benefits. In addition, an individual's failure to comply with District and federal laws and regulations regarding the administration of IMA programs may result in prosecution for fraud, fines, and/or imprisonment.

Part V: Program Requirements provides more detail on certain non-procedural program requirements such as work requirements and child support cooperation requirements.

LEGAL AUTHORITY 2.2

AREA/TOPIC DISTRICT FEDERAL Responsibilities of Applicants and Recipients TANF: D.C. Code 4-205; 29 DCMR 5800-5802, 5804, 5806 GC: D.C. Code 4-205, 4- 205.5a MA: 42 USC 1396a(a)(25); 42 CFR 435.610, 42 CFR 435.910 TANF: 45 CFR 261.10-261.14 FS: 7 USC 2015; 7 CFR 273.2, 273.12 Cooperation with CSED Requirements TANF: D.C. Code 4-205.19; 4-217.8-10, 29 DCMR 1707 MA: 42 USC 1396a(a)(45), 42 USC 1396k; 42 CFR 433.145-148, 42 CFR 435.610 TANF: 45 CFR 264.30 - 264.31

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF APPLICANTS AND RECIPIENTS 2.3

ALL The following are general responsibilities of the applicants/recipients of all benefit programs. Each applicant/recipient shall answer all questions and requests for information completely and honestly. Each applicant/recipient will provide legitimate proof of statements made in the application or interview when it is required and/or requested by the Department. Each applicant will provide needed verification within program designated time frames. Each recipient will provide needed verification within ten days after the Department asks forit. Each applicant/recipient shall abide by all program rules. By signing the application for benefits, the applicant/recipient indicates that s/he and all recipients s/he represents will abide by all program rules. Otherwise, s/he will be subject to the penalties explained on the