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MS 3810

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Volume 2 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP) MS 3810 – R. 1/15/24 – OMTL – 642 Allowed Representatives

The household has the option of designating one or two Authorized Representatives (ARs). The individual may appoint one AR to complete the application process and obtain the household's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or the individual may select two ARs, one for each process. If applicants do not have the mental capacity to care for themselves, then they do not have the ability to designate an AR. In situations where a legal guardian has been appointed, the legal guardian must make the SNAP application for the applicant. The legal guardian can apply without a signed statement from the applicant as long as proof of guardianship is provided. The order of guardianship by the court will serve as verification of representation. If an applicant designates an AR during the application interview and that AR is entered on the system, the client’s signature on the application meets the requirement of the AR being designated in writing. The AR cannot be used as a verification source for the household if representing the household during the interview.

A. An individual authorized to represent the household for certification purposes MUST be an adult who:

1. Is designated in writing by the head-of-household, his/her spouse, or another responsible adult of the household to act on the household's behalf. ARs may complete form FS-1, Application for SNAP, for the household. If not designated in writing as an AR by the household, have the individual complete form FS-1, and issue a manually completed form PAFS-2, Application Letter or Notice of Expiration, scheduling the application interview. Request a written statement from the household authorizing the AR to make an application for them.

In instances of “power of attorney” (POA), unless the POA document specifies food benefits, the recipient has the right to choose whoever they want as an AR; and

2. Is sufficiently aware of relevant household circumstances. In the event the only adult member of a household is classified as a non-household member, that person may be designated as the AR for the minor household members.

B. The initial application can be conducted by phone or on the Self-Service Portal (SSP) with an AR.

C. Recertifications may be completed over the phone with an AR if the AR is currently listed for that case and the proper documentation is located in the Electronic Case File (ECF).