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Volume II

OMTL-596 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program R. 7/1/22

MS 6100 FILING AN APPLICATION (1)

[Individuals have the right to apply in any county for any program administered by the Department. Additionally, application for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can be made by the individual, their guardian, a power of attorney or Authorized Representative. The Authorized Representative designation must be made in writing by the head of household, the spouse of the head of household, or another responsible member of the household.

A. Each household or its representative has the right, and is encouraged, to file an application the same day of contact with the office whether the contact is made in person or by telephone. In addition to in-person applications, households may file SNAP applications by submitting the application form to a local office themselves, through an Authorized Representative, by mail, Web Portal, fax or telephone.

B. Application time standards and initial benefit allotment are calculated from the date of application. An application is considered filed when the application is submitted online, by telephone or the appropriate application form is signed and received in any Family Support office. The household does not have to be interviewed before an application is considered filed.

It is IMPERATIVE that all persons contacting the office be informed of and understand this right and its implications.

C. If an individual or representative signs an application by making a mark (X), the mark must be witnessed by one person who can write. The witness may be related or unrelated to the individual.

D. Electronic signatures are acceptable for SNAP applications, recertifications, and mid-reviews.

E. Explain to the household that an interview must be conducted to complete the application process. The worker and the applicant complete an application interview by answering ALL questions on the computer screens and the applicant signs the system-generated application. See Volume II, MS 6320 and MS 6330 for interviewing procedures.

F. A household may reapply at any time even if their application has been previously denied or their assistance has been discontinued.

G. Residence in a domestic violence center does not affect the individual's right to apply.

H. If an Authorized Representative is appointed, make the following system entries:

1. From the Application Information screen, answer “Yes” to the question, “Is there an Authorized Representative?” This triggers the Representatives screen.