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insecurity, the OPA will encourage the household or authorized representative to file an application the same day it contacts the OPA. If the household contacts the OPA by telephone they must be given the option to apply for SNAP by providing their name, address and signature on a paper application, on-line application at apply.mt.gov, or by completing an interactive interview (Statement of Facts (SOF) with an eligibility staff member who has the capability to record the client assenting to the information (i.e., signing the application)). If the household wants to file a paper application but does not want to or can’t come to the office that day to file an application, or there is a written request for food assistance, the OPA must mail the household an application the same day it receives the request. A completed application cannot be required prior to scheduling an interview. When the household requests assistance with completing the application, the OPA will assist the household with completing its application. When a joint application is received for TANF cash assistance and SNAP benefits, the household must be informed that TANF work requirements (e.g., Family Investment Agreement/Pathways Employability Plan activities) do not apply to SNAP eligibility. If the household is encouraged to conserve its time-limited TANF benefits, the eligibility staff member must inform the household TANF time limits do not apply to SNAP eligibility and encourage the household to continue with its application for SNAP benefits. SIGNATURE TYPES AND REQUIREMENTS: An Application, Recertification, and Simplified Report must be signed to establish a filing date and to determine the deadline for acting on these forms. Signatures on these forms are required to certify a household. All households have the right to sign any SNAP form in writing. Acceptable unwritten signatures include electronic signature techniques, recorded telephonic signatures, and gestured signatures in face-to-face interviews. Criteria for all signatures. All systems for signatures must meet all the following criteria: 1. Record for future reference the household member’s assent (signature) and the information to which assent was given. 2. Include effective safeguards against impersonation, identity theft, and invasions of privacy. 3. Not deny or interfere with the right of the household to apply in writing. 4. Comply with the SNAP regulations regarding bilingual requirements.