A household applying for food stamps must cooperate in the eligibility determination process.

(a) If a household refuses to cooperate in completing the eligibility determination process, the application must be denied at the time of refusal. A household has refused to cooperate when the household is able to cooperate, but clearly demonstrates that it will not take actions that it can take and that are required to complete the application process. The failure of a household to appear at a scheduled interview does not constitute a refusal to cooperate unless the household has clearly refused to be interviewed. If there is any question as to whether the household has merely failed to cooperate, as opposed to refused to cooperate, the household's application must not be denied.

(b) A household's eligibility must be terminated if it refuses to cooperate with any subsequent review of its eligibility, including reviews generated by reported changes in circumstances and applications for recertification.

(c) A household whose eligibility has been denied or terminated for refusal to cooperate may reapply for food stamps. Such household must not be determined eligible until it cooperates in completing the eligibility determination process.