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COMBINED MANUAL

ISSUE DATE 05/2022

APPLICATION INTERVIEWS

0005.12.12

Conduct an interview with applicants or their authorized representatives before determining eligibility. Some programs require a face-to-face interview.

Offer applicants or their authorized representatives a single interview that covers all the programs for which they apply. For example, a SNAP interview must also cover any other programs for which the household applied. Advise people of any preliminary verifications they may bring to the interview. Give people written confirmation of the date, time, and location of their interview. Inform them they are responsible for rescheduling any interview they miss.

Units may bring anyone they choose to the interview. See 0005.06 (Authorized Representatives).

During the interview: ● Some forms are required to be given and verbally reviewed with applicants. See 0005.12.12.01 (Forms/Handouts for Applicants) for more information.

● Review all information on the submitted application with the applicant. If a Combined Application Form (DHS-5223) (PDF) (CAF) is submitted, remove the attached forms from the CAF and give them to the applicant. Make sure the application is complete. See 0005.12.03 (What is a Complete Application). Review each question on the submitted application even if the client has answered “No” to the question. For those submitting an MNbenefits application, use the Combined Application Form (DHS-5223) (PDF) as a guide to determine which questions to ask.

● Refer people to Social Services if they request help with family problems or family planning.

● Explain program eligibility requirements, benefits, processing standards, and payment methods.

● Give the client brochures on assistance programs and other available services.

● Review available verifications and get client consent for 3rd-party verifications, if necessary. See 0010 (Verification).

● If an applicant indicates they are over income or assets on the Combined Application Form, follow the provisions in 0015.72 (Excess Assets - Applicants), 0017 (Determining Gross Income).

Do not require another interview for people who amend an application or request an additional category of assistance if you have not acted on the original application. If you have taken action on an original application, clients must complete a new application and have another interview.

MFIP: Inform clients of the interview options available: ● Face-to-face in the county office.

● Internet telepresence.

● At a location mutually agreed upon.

● Telephone interview.

Refer people to the appropriate county person if they request help with family violence issues. See 0005.12.12.09 (Family Violence Provisions/Referrals). Give the client the Family Violence Referral (DHS-3323) (PDF). Provide information about counseling and support services, exemptions, and permanent residence procedures for battered non-citizens. See 0010.18.33 (Verifying Family Violence).

Explain the living arrangement requirements to minor caregivers or minor pregnant women. See 0005.12.12.01 (Forms/Handouts for Applicants). Refer a minor caregiver to Social Services as soon as he/she applies and alleges that he/she or the minor child would be physically or emotionally jeopardized by living with the minor’s caregiver or legal guardian, or that the caregiver or legal guardian will not allow him/her to live at home. See 0012.06 (Requirements for Caregivers Under 20).