Page 5

FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION APPLICATIONS FNS 415 INTERVIEWING

5 Section 415 Change #21-2021 November 15, 2021 b. A specific time; and c. The method of the interview (telephone or in-person). d. Schedule the interview, as soon as possible but no later than ten calendar days from the date the applicant files the application. e. Do not request verifications prior to conducting the interview. The “DSS- 8650A Prepare for the FNS Interview” form may be sent with the DSS-8650 to inform the FNS unit of the types of verifications that may be required after the interview is conducted. 415.05 PROCEDURES WHEN APPLICANT FAILS TO ATTEND FIRST SCHEDULED INTERVIEW The following procedures apply when an applicant household fails to attend their first scheduled interview: A. Mail the household a DSS-8650. Inform the household that they missed the scheduled interview, and the household is responsible for rescheduling a missed interview. B. Deny the application on the 30th day following the date of application if the household fails to appear for the first scheduled interview and fails to contact the agency before or on the 30th day. If the 30th day falls on a weekend or holiday, deny the application on the first workday following the 30th day. C. Schedule a second interview per FNS 415.06 if the household contacts the agency within the 30-day application processing period. 415.06 PROCEDURES WHEN APPLICANT CONTACTS AGENCY TO RESCHEDULE MISSED INTERVIEW The following procedures apply when an applicant household contacts the agency to reschedule an interview appointment: A. The agency must schedule a second interview if the applicant contacts the agency within the 30-day processing period. B. If the applicant contacts the agency but chooses not to schedule a second interview, deny the application on the 30th day following the date of application for failure to complete an interview. C. Whenever possible schedule the second interview timely enough to process the application to ensure eligible households entitled to normal processing standards receive an opportunity to purchase food within 30 days of the application date.