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Title 7: SNAP Page 7 Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Employees’ Manual Chapter B: Application Processing Interviews Revised September 27, 2024 Standard Voicemail Messages Comment: The interview is an official and confidential discussion of household circumstances. Don’t send a request for verification prior to the interview. The purpose of the interview is to obtain the details of the household’s situation so eligibility can be determined. After the interview, you will know what verification is needed. The following sections explain: Standard voicemail messages How to conduct interviews Voter registration procedures during the interview Failure to attend the interview Standard Voicemail Messages There are two approved messages to leave on voicemail when scheduling an interview. The messages differ depending on whether a household qualifies for emergency services. Non-Emergency Applications “This is (worker name) with the HHS calling for (client name). A phone interview is required for your SNAP/FIP application. I will call you on (day of the week and date) between (two-hour timeframe) to hold the interview. If I can’t reach you, your application may be denied. If this time does not work for you, please call me immediately so we can reschedule. Thank you.” REMEMBER: When calling for the scheduled interview, two attempts must be made (at least five minutes apart) and document before issuing a Notice of Missed Interview (NOMI) (522). Emergency (Use only if interview must be completed the same day to meet timeframes.) “This is (worker name) with the HHS calling for (client name). A phone interview is required for your SNAP application. From the information on your application, it looks like you may be eligible for Emergency SNAP. Please call me back today by 3:30 p.m. at (worker phone number) to complete your interview. If I don’t hear from you by 3:30 p.m., I will call you on (the next business day) between (two-hour timeframe). If I can’t reach you, your application may be denied. If this time does not work for you, please call me immediately so we can reschedule. Thank you.” REMEMBER: When calling the following day for the scheduled interview, two attempts must be made within the scheduled interview window (at least five minutes apart) and document before issuing a NOMI (522).