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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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15. SNAP and TANF Cases with different BG Composition When there are non-TANF individuals living with TANF individuals and they make up one SNAP BG, the SNAP policies must be used for SNAP determinations.

1.4 Limited English and Sensory Impaired Individuals It is the policy of DSS to require and embrace a strong commitment to providing services to, and ensuring program accessibility in participation and benefits for all eligible families. There shall be no distinction based on the previous categories either in eligibility determination or accessibility to programs and services. This policy applies to all agency units and to all agency services provided, including our Limited English Proficient (LEP) and Sensory Impaired clients, whether services are delivered by DSS staff or by contracted vendor.

1. Responsibility of Initial Contact DSS staff who are responsible for the initial contact with the client are responsible for determining the language and mode of communication preferred by the client. The local Client Special Services Coordinator (CSSC) must assure that the client is informed of his/her right to an interpreter, to other auxiliary aids, or to other resources at no cost to the client.

2. Client Special Services Coordinator DSS will use its Client Special Services Coordinator (CSSC) position in the State office as the primary point of contact for situations involving LEP and sensory impaired clients at the state level. Each county will designate a local CSSC for each office from which client services are provided. The local CSSC, along with the county director, are responsible for ensuring that the county office complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal laws that guarantee service access to all eligible individuals. The State office CSSC will keep an active list of all local CSSCs.

3. Client History Information Profile (CHIP) Coding CHIP screen INRD must be coded to indicate if an A/R does not speak English and needs an interpreter. One of the following codes should be entered into the "Interpreter Needed For" field:

AR – Arabic CH - Chinese

OT - Other

RU - Russian

SL - Sign Language

SP - Spanish UK - Ukrainian VN - Vietnamese

4. Use of Interpreters Clients cannot use family members or friends as interpreters. Agency policy for use of qualified interpreters is set forth in the Civil Rights Toolkit available with the Office of Individual and Provider Rights.

Anyone accompanying the client for the purpose of interpreting may, upon client’s request, serve the client in the role of advocate while the agency uses a qualified interpreter to facilitate communication at no cost to the client. The client must still be advised that a free interpreter will be