1200 Rights and Responsibilities

1210 Rights and Responsibilities

1211 Rights of the Applicant/Recipient

1211.1 Right to Make Application - An individual shall have the right to make application regardless of any question of eligibility or agency responsibility. The right of an individual to make application may not be abridged.

1211.2 Right to Designate an Authorized Representative - The household has the right to designate an authorized representative.

1211.3 Right to Information - A client has the right to be provided with information concerning the types of assistance which are provided by the agency. Upon request, the agency shall furnish the client with informational pamphlets and will explain to him the categories of assistance for which he may be eligible and the eligibility factors for same.

If the applicant is applying for TANF, the applicant has the right to know that the time limits of those programs do not apply to the receipt of food assistance benefits. In addition, for those that have been terminated from receiving TANF benefits because they have reached a time limit, begun working, or for other reasons have the right to know that they may still qualify for food assistance benefits.

1211.4 Right to a Private Interview - A client has the right to a private interview whenever he/she is discussing his/her individual situation with the agency.

1211.5 Right to Receive a Prompt Decision - A client has the right to have a timely decision rendered on his/her application. See 1413 . A recipient has the right to a decision rendered on any other formal request (such as a request for services or for information) within 30 days of its receipt by the agency.

1211.6 Right to Restored Benefits - If the client has been wrongfully delayed, denied, or terminated, he/she is due restored benefits.

1211.7 Right to Correct Amount of Assistance - The client, if eligible, shall be entitled to the correct amount of assistance (including support services) based upon budgetary standards or allowances in accordance with agency policies.

1211.8 Right to Equal Treatment - All clients have a right to equal treatment in similar circumstances and no person shall be denied benefits or be subject to discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. The client has the right to file a discrimination complaint with either the Federal or the State agency.

1211.9 Right to A Fair Hearing - A client has the right to request a fair hearing on any agency decision or lack of action in regard to his application for or receipt of assistance.

1211.10 Right to Withdraw from the Program - An applicant has the right to withdraw his application at any time between the date the application is signed and the date the notice of the agency decision is mailed. A recipient may withdraw from a program at any time.

1211.11 Right to an Individual Determination of Eligibility for Assistance - A client shall be given an opportunity to present his request and to explain his situation.

1211.12 Right to Written Notification of Action - A client has the right to a written notification of agency action concerning his eligibility for assistance.

1211.13 Right to Examine Case File - Upon request written from a responsible member of the household or its authorized representative, the clients may review their case file. However, the agency may withhold confidential information. Refer to 1224 .