3. SCHEDULING AND NOTICING

A. All interviews must be scheduled as promptly as possible to ensure that eligible households receive benefits within the appropriate time limits for processing.

B. In the case of applications received from residents of correctional facilities (Section 222-1), a telephone interview may be completed prior to release at the request of the applicant. Absent a request from the applicant, the Department may not schedule an interview date prior to the anticipated release date.

C. If the household fails to complete the first scheduled interview, the Department shall notify the household in writing that they are responsible for re-scheduling the interview. If the household contacts the Office for Family Independence (OFI) within the 30 day application period, the Department shall schedule a second interview. If, after 30 days from the date of application (Section 999-1), the household has failed to complete an interview, the Department shall deny the application.

D. During the interview, the Department shall advise the household of their rights and responsibilities and the consequences of failure to comply with program requirements. The Department shall provide written notice of rights and responsibilities and the consequences for failure to comply with program requirements at each determination whether or not an interview has been conducted.