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Date of Last Review: 11/30/2023 Effective Date: 03/01/2019 Date of Next Review: 11/30/2026 RDA: SW22 Page 1 of 4 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Authorized Representatives Policy 24.05 Effective: March 1, 2019 Introduction All Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) staff shall inform individual applicants and prospective applicants, who indicate that they may have difficulty completing the application process, that a non-food unit member may be designated as the authorized representative for application processing purposes. Scope The purpose of this policy is to provide procedures and guidelines for employees to determine who may be an authorized representative for applicants and prospective applicants. The policy will also instruct employees on the processes regarding how and when the authorized representative can (1) make an application, (2) obtain SNAP benefits, and (3) use SNAP benefits on behalf of the customer. Policy A. Authorized Representatives 1. An authorized representative (AR) is an individual who has been designated by the household (HH) to act on behalf of the HH in regards to SNAP benefits. 2. The non-HH member must meet the following criteria: a. be an adult; b. have been designated in writing by the head of HH, the spouse, or another responsible HH member; and c. be sufficiently aware of relevant HH circumstances to act in the HH’s behalf. 3. An AR may act on behalf of the HH in any one or all of the following capacities: a. apply for the HH; b. obtain the HH’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits; and/or c. use the HH’s SNAP benefits to purchase food for the HH.