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Page | 85 Except for community provider support facilities or drug/alcohol treatment centers acting as an authorized representative, the household is liable for any over issuance of benefits because of any incorrect information the household’s authorized representative provides.

All authorized representatives will be identified on the ALTR panel on ACCESS.

4710 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE DESIGNATION

The head of household, spouse or other responsible adult household member can choose an authorized representative (AR) to complete the application process, report changes, close the case and use SNAP benefits on behalf of the household only with the household's knowledge and consent. To apply or report changes, the AR must know about the household's circumstances. The head of household, spouse or other responsible adult household member must appoint the AR in writing if the AR is completing the SNAP application process.

Children under 18 may be named as an authorized representative by the head of household, spouse or other responsible adult household member only for the ability to use the EBT card to purchase food for the household. A household member under the age of 18 may not sign the application form, unless he/she is emancipated and applying for benefits on his/her own.

4720 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE APPLICATION PROCESS

The head of the household, spouse, or another responsible adult member usually completes the application process, with the exception of community support provider facilities and alcohol/drug treatment centers. If the head of household, spouse or another responsible adult member cannot complete the application process because of employment, health, transportation, or similar reasons, then he/she may choose an adult who is not a household member as an Authorized Representative(AR), which allows them to apply on behalf of the household. The head of the household or spouse should complete or review the application, if possible, even though another adult member or the AR is actually interviewed. The responsible adult household member or the AR may also give any information necessary to register the household members for work who must meet work registration requirement.

Community support provider facility and alcohol/drug treatment center staff are required to be the authorized representative for their residents. The residents are not allowed to apply on their own behalf, unless they move into independent living.

Verification of the head of household’s identity and the authorized representative’s identity is required when an authorized representative applies on behalf of a household.

4730 WHO CAN BE AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

When the head of household or the spouse cannot make application, another responsible adult household member may apply or an adult, non-household member may be designated as the AR for this purpose. Adults who are non-household members may be designated as ARs for certification purposes only if they:  Are designated in writing by the head of the household, or the spouse, or another responsible member of the household. This designation must contain the name and address of the designated person, the signature of the member making the designation, and the date of the designation. If the designation is being made by a member who cannot sign, his/her mark must be witnessed. The witness' signature, address, and the date of