Policy Effective: February 1, 2014

This section contains the rules for authorized representatives for residents of drug addict/alcoholic treatment centers, group living arrangements and mental health facilities.

Before certifying residents of these centers for SNAP assistance, the worker shall verify that the center is certified by the appropriate State agency. If the center is not listed as approved in policy 255-3A , contact the SNAP program specialist for further instruction.

For residents of drug addict/alcohol treatment centers, the authorized representative must be an employee of and designated by the center which administers the rehabilitation program. The center shall apply on behalf of each resident and shall receive and spend the SNAP assistance for food prepared by and/or served to them. The center must also comply with the SNAP requirements which apply to the applicant/ recipient.

Residents of group living arrangement facilities may apply on their own behalf or choose someone else to act as an authorized representative.

When a SNAP participant leaves either type of facility, the person shall receive his/her full monthly amount if none of the SNAP assistance has been spent. If any portion of the monthly amount has been spent, the customer is entitled to the remaining amount.

The center shall, if possible, give the former resident a change report form to report his new address and other changed circumstances after leaving the center. The center shall tell the person to return the change report form to DWS within 10 days of leaving the center.

The center must notify Department of Workforce Services (DWS) if a SNAP recipient leaves the center. Once a person leaves, the center shall no longer act as his/her authorized representative or alternate payee.

Customers who have their own Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card may use their card to access any remaining assistance. Customers who do not have their own card must contact DWS to order a new card.

The center must provide the local office with a monthly list of currently participating residents on the tenth of every month. Random, onsite visits will occur yearly at a minimum, to verify the validity of the monthly list provided by the center.