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FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

FNS 175 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

2 Section 175 Change #02-2021 June 1, 2021 175.02 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES Explain to the authorized representative applying on behalf of the FNS unit that: A. They are certifying that the information provided is true and complete; and B. They are responsible for reporting changes in the FNS unit’s circumstances when the FNS unit is unable to report the change. Advise the authorized representative that upon approval of FNS benefits, a Change Report Form, DSS-8550, will be mailed to the household. This form can be used to report changes to the agency; and C. The household and authorized representative are equally responsible for any erroneous issuance as a result of incorrect or incomplete information provided by the authorized representative, except when benefits are trafficked or misused by the authorized representative without the FNS unit’s knowledge. The authorized representative is responsible for an erroneous issuance while acting as the representative for an alcoholic/drug treatment center, or when found guilty of trafficking EBT benefits. NOTE: An authorized representative with only the authority to purchase food for the FNS unit does not have the responsibilities listed in this section. 175.03 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE RESTRICTIONS A. The FNS unit can have no more than two active authorized representatives for the case. B. An authorized representative may represent more than one FNS unit at the same time. C. Any FNS unit that resides in an Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center (ADTC) may only have one authorized representative. 175.04 DSS-1688 DESIGNATION OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE FORM Complete the DSS-1688, Designation of Authorized Representative by checking all appropriate boxes and obtaining signatures at application, full recertification, and when the FNS unit changes its authorized representative. Distribute a copy to the FNS unit and the authorized representative upon request. Save original DSS-1688, Designation of Authorized Representative in North Carolina Families Accessing Services through Technology (NC FAST) and record on the evidence dashboard in NC FAST. A. The head of household's signature is required on the DSS-1688 when: 1. The FNS unit designates an authorized representative who does not have Power of Attorney. 2. The Power of Attorney authorization is limited to a specific purpose that does not include applying for and/or using FNS benefits. 3. The Power of Attorney authorization is time-limited and will expire within 30 days.