Page 155

COMBINED MANUAL

ISSUE DATE 12/2014

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES

0005.06

The client may authorize a representative to help with county agency contacts. In most cases, authorized representatives have the same responsibilities and rights as clients. Inform authorized representatives of client responsibilities and rights. See 0003 (Client Responsibilities and Rights).

When an incompetent or incapacitated person is unable to appoint an authorized representative, you may allow a person who can act responsibly for the incapacitated or incompetent person to act as an authorized representative. See 0005.06.03 (Who Can/Cannot Be Authorized Representatives).

If the client is not incompetent or incapacitated, the authorization must be in writing and signed by the client and the authorized representative. This applies even if the authorized representative is the client's guardian or conservator, or holds the client's power of attorney. The client may use page 7 plus the signature page of the CAF page number 1, the authorized representative section of ApplyMN, or a written, signed statement. The statement must designate the scope of the authorized representative's involvement.

Authorized representatives may contact the agency, attend interviews, complete forms, provide documentation, and appeal county agency decisions.

MFIP: A unit may authorize a representative to obtain and use the unit's food portion benefits. See 0024.04 (How Benefits Are Paid), TEMP Manual TE16.02 (EBT - Additional Adults).

DWP, MSA, GA, GRH: Follow general provisions.

SNAP: A unit may authorize a representative to obtain and use the unit's food benefits. See 0024.04 (How Benefits Are Paid), TEMP Manual TE16.02 (EBT - Additional Adults).

Residents of institutions may apply on their own behalf or through an authorized representative, EXCEPT for residents of drug or alcohol treatment programs who must apply through an authorized representative who is an employee designated by the center. See 0005.06.03 (Who Can/Cannot be Authorized Representatives), 0011.12 (Institutional Residence), 0014.03.06 (Determining the SNAP Unit).

For residents (including minors) of group living arrangements for the disabled or blind, the facility determines whether people are physically and mentally fit to apply on their own or through an authorized representative of their choice.