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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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• By completing an on-line electronic application.

8. Application Submission to County of Non Residence Each individual has the right to file an application at any DSS office. The individual does not need to be a resident of the county just to file an application.

9. Validity Any application, even if incomplete, is valid as long as it contains the name and address of the applicant and is signed by a responsible BG member or the BG's authorized representative. (See 2.1.15) 10. Recording Filing Date The county office must record on the application the date it is received in the county. The filing date is the date a valid application is presented/received in any county office. 11. Application Not Filed in County of Residence Applications can be registered by any county regardless of the BG’s county of residence.

12. ES Worker Interview The interview by the ES Worker will occur after the application is registered. Interviews may be conducted over the telephone, at any DSS county office or other mutually acceptable location excluding the household’s residence. The agency must grant a face-to-face interview to any applicant/recipient that requests one. The applicant or recipient may be represented at the interview by an individual of his/her choice.

EXCEPTION: The ES Worker will go to the domestic/family violence shelter or to a mutually agreed upon safe setting to conduct the interview if the applicant would be at risk if required to come to the DSS office to apply.

13. Mailing Application If the applicant contacts the county office by telephone or mail but does not wish to come to the office to file the application, he/she may request the application be mailed. The county office must mail an application within one working day of the date the written request or telephone call is received. The individual must be advised that the application will not be considered filed until it is received in the county office.

14. Assisting Applicant The Agency will provide assistance, as needed, to complete the application and will ensure that all applicants or recipients have or promptly apply for and obtain a Social Security number.

15. Authorized Representative (AR) An Authorized Representative is an individual who is acting for the applicant with his/her knowledge and consent and who has knowledge of the applicant’s circumstances. The applicant may be represented by an individual of his/her choice in the application process. DSS Form 1632, Authorized Representative Designation Form, is used to designate the authorized representative. Designation may also be accomplished by completing the Authorized Representative section on the DSS Form 3800.