Page 37

S N A P M A N U A L

37 NOTE: In the instance of a limited English proficiency (LEP) household or special needs (e.g. deafness), the authorized representative may not be used in lieu of a qualified interpreter. See Section 3.7 Limited English Proficient (LEP) or Special Needs Households. Residents of Drug Addiction or Alcoholic (DAA) treatment centers must apply and be certified through the use of authorized representatives in accordance with Section 14.3 Residents of Drug Addiction or Alcoholic (DAA) Treatment and Rehabilitation Programs. Residents of Group Living Arrangements (GLAs) have the option to apply and be certified through the use of authorized representatives in accordance with Section 14.4 Residents of a Group Living Arrangement (GLA). (2) Obtaining SNAP benefits An authorized representative may be designated to obtain benefits. Even if the household is able to obtain benefits, it should be encouraged to name an authorized representative for obtaining benefits in case of illness or other circumstances which might result in an inability to obtain benefits. The name of the authorized representative must be recorded in the household's case file. The authorized representative for obtaining benefits may or may not be the same individual designated as an authorized representative for the application process or for meeting reporting requirements during the certification period. (3) Using SNAP benefits A household may allow any household member or authorized representative to use its SNAP benefits to purchase food or meals for the household. DAAs and GLAs which act as authorized representatives for residents of the facilities must use SNAP benefits for food prepared and served to those residents participating in SNAP (except when residents leave the facility) in accordance with Section 14.3 Residents of Drug Addiction or Alcoholic (DAA) Treatment and Rehabilitation Programs and Section 14.4 Residents of a Group Living Arrangement (GLA)).

(4) Restrictions on designations of authorized representatives The Agency must restrict the use of authorized representatives for purposes of application processing and obtaining SNAP benefits as follows: (A) Agency employees who are involved in the certification or issuance processes and retailers who are authorized to accept SNAP benefits may not act as authorized representatives without the specific written approval of the respective County Director for the county in which the household resides and only if that County Director determines that no one else is available to serve as an authorized representative.