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SNAP/TANF Program Policy Manual
CHAPTER: 3600 SECTION: 3600.00.00 BENEFIT ISSUANCE BENEFIT ISSUANCE 3600.00.00 BENEFIT ISSUANCE
This chapter presents policy regarding benefit issuance. The chapter covers: • Representatives and Protective Payees (Section 3605); • SNAP Issuance/Benefits, Cash Benefits/Issuance (Section 3610); • SNAP and MA Identification Cards (Section 3615); • SNAP Issuance/Accountability (Section 3620); and • Footnotes for Chapter 3600 (Section 3699). 3605.00.00 REPRESENTATIVES AND PROTECTIVE PAYEES
An AG may designate an authorized representative to receive SNAP benefits, use SNAP benefits, or present medical expense verification for Medicaid spend-down eligibility purposes. Additionally, in certain defined circumstances a protective payee may be assigned by the Local Office to receive the TANF payment. 3605.05.00 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES (S)
The SNAP AG may designate an authorized representative to receive SNAP and/or use the SNAP on behalf of the AG. The authorized representative is named on in the eligibility system and the name appears on the EBT card if the person is authorized to access the SNAP.
There is no limit on the number of individuals that may be designated as authorized representatives by the AG; however, only one representative can be on the EBT card. The authorized representative must not be an AG member.
Authorized representatives designated for application processing purposes for SNAP may also carry out other household responsibilities during the certification period such as reporting changes for the household. State agency employees who are involved in the certification or issuance processes, contract employees and retailers who are authorized to accept SNAP benefits may not act as authorized representatives. 3605.05.05 WITHDRAWAL OF AUTHORIZATION (S)
The authorized representative authorization is valid only for the current entitlement period. The payee or another responsible AG member may withdraw the authorization at any time. Withdrawal of authorization will be made upon request in person, by telephone, or in writing. Requests made in person or by telephone must be entered into the eligibility system. Written requests will be placed in the case record.