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FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION CLAIMS ____________________________________________________________________________________

3 Section 800 Change #1-2017 April 1, 2017

3. Send a second written request to all third party verification sources that did not respond to the first request within 30 days. Request a reply in 15 days.

4. Send a request to the household under investigation for information if the third party verification is not provided at the end of the second request period. The DSS-8231, Request for Information must be used to request information. Request a reply in 15 days. Mail a copy to any known legal or authorized representative. Do not force the suspected household to cooperate.

C. Client interviews:

1. An individual under investigation cannot be forced to:

a. Answer questions, b. Allow you in their home, c. Cooperate, d. Provide documents, e. Sign a waiver, statement, or agreement.

2. An individual under investigation has the right to:

a. Review any evidence that may be used against him/her, b. Have an attorney present during an interview, at their own expense, c. Have a representative present during an interview, d. Present evidence on his/her own behalf.

3. If an investigation warrants an interview with the individual prior to establishing a claim, mail DSS-8230, Program Integrity Appointment Notice to notify client of an appointment. Mail a copy to any known legal or authorized representative. Keep a copy in your file.

4. Do not require a client under investigation to come into the agency to discuss the amount of the claim or the type of the claim. Inform the client that his/her participation is strictly voluntary.

5. Schedule and conduct a home visit with the client, if appropriate and the client consents. Mail a DSS-8230, Program Integrity Appointment Notice at least three (3) working days prior to the home visit. Mail a copy of the DSS-8230 to any known legal or authorized representative. Keep a copy in the investigative file. Cancel the home visit if the client declines to allow the home visit.

6. During the interview, advise the individual of his/her rights in 800.06, C, 1-2.

7. Make reasonable inquiries into the individual’s educational level, reading ability, language barriers, medical or psychological problems, or a victim of domestic violence. If it is determined a client has any of these issues, explain how to obtain an authorized representative and document the outcome. Refer to section E, for information on how to handle this situation.

8. Continue the investigation if the client does not cooperate with the interview or home visit. Establish a claim without a client interview if the client does not keep the appointment, and the evidence is clear and convincing to prove the overissuance.