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household member or an authorized representative can be interviewed. The household may bring any person they choose to the interview. Households applying online, by mail, fax, or other electronic transmission, or by telephone (if interview not completed) are sent a notice with a scheduled interview date and time. The OPA will contact the household at the scheduled time via phone to complete the interview. The OPA must schedule all interviews as promptly as possible to ensure eligible households receive an opportunity to participate within 30 days after the application is filed. If the household does not complete the interview within the given time frame, the household is issued a Notice of Missed Interview (NOMI). The NOMI must notify each household that misses its interview appointment that it missed the scheduled interview and that the household is responsible for rescheduling a missed interview. If the household contacts the State agency within the 30-day application processing period, the State agency must schedule a second interview. The State agency may not deny a household's application prior to the 30th day after application if the household fails to appear for the first scheduled interview. If the household requests a second interview during the 30-day application processing period and is determined eligible, the State agency must issue prorated benefits from the date of application. The purpose of the interview is to review the information on the application and inquire about and resolve any unclear and/or incomplete information. It is also used to advise the household of its rights and responsibilities, application processing standards and its reporting requirements. The interview is conducted as an official and confidential discussion of the household's circumstances. The household's right to privacy and confidentiality must be protected during the interview. Interviews can be conducted in-person, on the telephone or with a home visit. A home visit must be scheduled in advance with the household. The OPA must inform clients that the OPA will schedule the interview or provide a face-to-face interview if one is requested. RECERTIFICATION INTERVIEWS: The household is sent a Notice of Benefit Expiration by the 15thof the month prior to the month the certification period ends. The notice instructs the household ton call the toll- free Montana Public Assistance Help Line by the 10th of the month the certification period ends to complete an interview. The household has the right to request an in- person or in-home interview. The notice informs the household that the interview is a