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DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FAMILY INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD/AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE Section 404 Page 2

JULY 2020 404.3 Authorized Representative

A. The head of household, spouse or other responsible member may designate an authorized representative to act on its behalf if the authorized representative is aware of the household’s circumstances and

the designation is in writing. NOTE: Only an adult authorized representative may make application on behalf of the household.

B. An authorized representative may:

1. Appear for interviews;

2. Apply for benefits for the household;

3. Use the Independence Card to purchase food for the household;

4. Be named to use the Independence Card to purchase food for the household in an emergency.

NOTE: In an emergency situation, the household may designate an emergency authorized representative to use the Independence Card to purchase food for the household. Written authorization must be obtained from the head of household and signed by both the head of household and the emergency authorized representative

C. Except for situations in which a drug or alcohol treatment center or other group living arrangement acts as the authorized representative, the local department must inform the household that the household will be held liable for any overissuance that results from erroneous information given by the representative.

404.4 Drug/Alcohol Treatment Centers

A. Residents of drug addiction or alcohol treatment programs (and their children who live with them) may elect to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

B. The residents of drug or alcohol treatment centers will apply and be certified for program participation through the use of an authorized representative. The authorized representative must be an employee of and designated by the publicly operated community mental health center administering the treatment program or the private nonprofit organization or institution that is administering the treatment and rehabilitation program.