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FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION APPLICATIONS FNS 415 INTERVIEWING

1 Section 415 Change #21-2021 November 15, 2021 FNS 415 INTERVIEWING Change #21-2021 November 15, 2021

415.01 APPLICATION INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS A. All applicant households, including those submitting applications by mail, email, or drop off must have an interview prior to the issuance of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits. B. The interview may be conducted in-person, by telephone, or video conference. C. The interview can be conducted in a FNS office or other mutually acceptable location, including a household’s residence. D. An in-person interview must be provided if requested by the applicant or authorized representative. E. An in-person interview must not be required if it would be a hardship for the household. F. The interview must be conducted by a qualified eligibility worker and be held prior to initial certification. G. The individual interviewed may be the head of household, spouse, any other adult member of the household, or an authorized representative as outlined in FNS 175 Authorized Representative. H. If there is no adult in the household, an emancipated minor can complete the application interview. I. The applicant may include any person they choose to in the interview. 415.02 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INTERVIEWER The interviewer has several responsibilities during the interview process. Those responsibilities include the following: A. Advise households of their rights and responsibilities. B. Explain the appropriate application processing time standards. C. Inform households of their responsibility to report changes.