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COMBINED MANUAL

ISSUE DATE 05/2022

APPLICATION INTERVIEWS

0005.12.12

For units with 18- and 19-year old caregivers without a high school diploma or GED, ask if the applicant wants to pursue a high school diploma or GED, or wants to pursue work. The applicant’s choice must be entered on the EMPS panel prior to cash approval to get correct results. If the applicant wants to pursue a high school diploma or GED, enter “SC” on the ES option field of the EMPS panel for the applicant. MAXIS will determine this applicant is eligible for MFIP. If the applicant states he/she does not want to pursue high school or GED and wants to pursue work, enter “EM” on the ES option field of the EMPS panel for the applicant. MAXIS will determine this applicant is eligible for DWP. Record the applicant’s choice in CASE/NOTEs. Counties using the DWP/MFIP Screening Questions (DHS-4026) (PDF) as part of the application packet will have a documented answer to this question already available.

Explain the 60-month time limitation and that the unit may opt out of the cash portion of MFIP if a portion of the grant is not being vendor paid. See 0011.30 (60-Month Lifetime Limit), 0014.03.03.03 (Opting Out of MFIP Cash Portion).

If a child was previously in another case with a relative prior to the parent applying for the child, attempt to determine the circumstances. Make a child protection referral for any case that has an MFIP caregiver whose parental rights were terminated. To determine whether a parent whose rights have been terminated may be a caregiver, see 0014.03.03 (Determining the Cash Assistance Unit).

Inform applicants EBT card cash benefits cannot be used or accessed in any liquor store, casino, gambling casino, gaming establishment, or retail establishment, which provides adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment.

DWP: Follow MFIP, EXCEPT the 60-month time limit does NOT apply to DWP.

In addition: ● Conduct the interview within 5 working days of receipt of the application.

● Refer clients to Employment Services (ES) within 1 day of determining eligibility (this means from when you determine eligibility, not when you approve eligibility).

● The ES Provider MUST conduct the Employment Plan/interview within 10 days of referral.

● The ES Provider MUST notify the county agency of the ES plan approval within 1 day of signed plan.

● Issue DWP benefits within 1 day of being notified of the ES plan approval by the ES Provider.

● Include in the interview a discussion of goals, requirements, and services of the DWP.

● If child care is needed, obtain a child care application from the client before finishing the interview and forward the application to the appropriate child care assistance worker on the same day you received it. Make a referral to the appropriate Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency if the job seeker needs help in finding a child care provider. The contact numbers for the CCR&Rs can be found in the brochure “Do You Need Help Paying for Child Care?” (DHS-3551) (PDF).

● Ensure that SNAP is available to the client. If not already requested on the application, talk with the client about the availability of these benefits as well as others, such as Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance.

SNAP: The agency must screen for expedited SNAP on the date of application. For applications screened as expedited, offer a same day interview. See 0004.06 (Emergencies – 1st Month Processing). For non-expedited applications, an interview may still be completed on the date of application.

If a client is not interviewed at the time the application is submitted, an interview must be scheduled. Document and track the date of the scheduled interview. Counties and tribes may use SPEC/MEMO to notify the applicant of the scheduled interview. See