Page 185

COMBINED MANUAL

ISSUE DATE 12/2019

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:

● Review all forms attached to the Combined Application Form (DHS-5223) (PDF), including the Client Responsibilities and Rights (DHS-4163) (PDF) and the client's rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Remove these forms from the CAF and give them to the applicant. Provide them with the brochure “Do you have a disability?” (DHS-4133) (PDF). Also see 0003.09.03 (Client Rights - Civil Rights), 0003.09.06 (Client Right- Data Privacy Practices).

● Review all information on the application with the applicant. Make sure the application is complete. See 0005.12.03 (What is a Complete Application). Review each question on the Combined Application Form (DHS-5223) (PDF), even if the client has answered “No” to the question.

● 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: Conduct an interview before determining eligibility. The interview may be with any caregiver(s) of the unit or their authorized representative. If an applicant requests MFIP during the SNAP phone interview, a separate face-to-face or telepresence interview must be completed, unless they are eligible for a telephone interview. If a face-to-face interview is required for MFIP, continue the SNAP interview process and schedule the MFIP interview. Clients must be informed of their options.

The interview must be conducted, either:

● Face-to-face in the county office.

● Internet telepresence.

● At a location mutually agreed upon.

● Telephone interview, only if the client received MFIP or DWP in the past 12 months.

Refer people to the appropriate county person if they request help with family violence issues. See 0005.12.12.09 (Family