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FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

FNS 175 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

1 Section 175 Change #02-2021 June 1, 2021 FNS 175 Authorized Representative Change #02-2021 June 1, 2021

175.01 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE REQUIREMENTS An authorized representative is an individual designated by the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) unit to apply for benefits, use FNS benefits to purchase food for the FNS unit, or both apply and use FNS benefits on behalf of the FNS unit. The following conditions apply to Authorized Representatives: A. Authorized Representatives designated to apply for or apply for and use FNS benefits: 1. The authorized representative designated by the household to apply for FNS benefits for the household must be an adult who is not included in the FNS unit. 2. A person who is currently disqualified for an Intentional Program Violation can not make application or be responsible for reporting changes. If allowed to be an authorized representative in this capacity, the decision must be based on a determination that there is no other suitable applicant/recipient to represent the FNS. The county director must approve in writing on the DSS-1688 that this individual can represent the FNS to make application and to be responsible for reporting changes. Document the situation in the case file. 3. A retailer who is authorized to accept FNS benefits cannot be an authorized representative unless approved in writing by the county Department of Social Services (DSS) director on the DSS-1688. If allowed to be an authorized representative, the decision must be based on a determination that no other suitable authorized representative is available for the FNS unit. Document the situation in the case file. 4. An agency employee who is involved in the FNS certification and/or issuance process cannot be an authorized representative unless approved in writing by the county Department of Social Services (DSS) director on the DSS-1688. If allowed to be an authorized representative, the decision must be based on a determination that no other suitable authorized representative is available for the FNS unit. Document the situation in the case file. B. Authorized Representatives designated to use FNS benefits only to purchase food for the FNS: 1. Another adult household member (such as the spouse) can be an authorized representative for using FNS benefits. 2. An individual who is currently disqualified for an Intentional Program Violation can be an authorized representative for using FNS benefits without director approval.