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SNAP 103-7 APPLICATION PROCESSING Authorized Representative

Supersedes: SNAP 103-7 (07/06/2022) Reference: 7 CFR 273.2(n) Overview: The OPA shall inform households who indicate difficulty completing the application process that any responsible adult SNAP household member may authorize a representative to act on its behalf. An Authorized Representative may be designated for application processing, may carry out household responsibilities during the certification process, may report changes in accordance with the household’s reporting requirements, and may complete work registration forms for those household members required to work. The same or a different representative may be authorized to obtain and use SNAP benefits for the household. Definition of Authorized Representative: An adult non-household member may be designated as an Authorized Representative if: 1. They are designated in writing by any responsible adult household member participating in SNAP; and, 2. They are aware of relevant household circumstances. If the only adult living with the household is not participating, such as a disqualified or an ineligible individual, they may be the Authorized Representative for the minor household members. Authorized Representative Restrictions: The following restrictions apply to Authorized Representatives: 1. Employees involved in the certification and/or issuance processes may not act as Authorized Representatives; 2. Retailers authorized to accept SNAP benefits may not be an Authorized Representative without written approval from the OPA Field Operations Manager. Retailers may be authorized only if it is determined no one else is available to be an Authorized Representative; 3. Homeless facilities providing meals (SNAP 0-4) may not act as Authorized Representatives for homeless SNAP households; and, 4. Individuals disqualified for Intentional Program Violation (IPV) may not be an Authorized Representative during the disqualification period unless the individual is the only adult