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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES D-SNAP

10/24 VOLUME V, PART XX, PAGE 12

indication to the worker of an income source to explore during the interview. A match with support enforcement files is an indication to the worker of a possible income source to explore during the interview. A match with the disaster file itself shows people who have already applied for D-SNAP benefits and the disposition of that application.

If a paper application is used, the household members on the application must be entered into the web-based automated system to check for duplicate participation prior to approval. The application will be automatically screened against the same sources noted above as the web-based application.

3. INTERVIEWS. The household must be interviewed. The individual interviewed may be the head of the household, spouse, any other responsible member of the household, or an authorized representative. If an authorized representative is applying, that person must have written permission from the household. The interviewer must review the information that appears on the application and resolve unclear or incomplete information with the household.

In addition, the interviewer must advise the household of its rights and responsibilities, including the right to a fair hearing, the proper use of benefits and EBT cards, penalties for fraud, and the civil and criminal penalties for violations of the Food and Nutrition Act. The interviewer must advise the household that it may be subject to a post-disaster review.

The interviewer must inform each household of the ongoing food assistance program and how to apply for benefits.

Local agency certification staff, other designated agency staff, staff from other local agencies and state social services staff, may be used to interview households and to determine eligibility.

4. VERIFICATIONS. Verification requirements will depend on the nature of the disaster, e.g., if homes were leveled, verification of several elements may be waived. Identity of the applicant is always verified. Examples of acceptable verification of identity include, but are not limited to, a driver's license, work or school ID, voter registration card, or birth certificate. A collateral contact may be used as a source of verification if the applicant's identity cannot be verified through documentary evidence.

For items where verification can be waived, the household declaration on the application must be used in the eligibility determination.

5. HOUSEHOLD COOPERATION. If the household refuses to cooperate with any aspect of the application process, the application must be denied at the time of refusal. For a determination of refusal to be made, the household must be able to cooperate, but clearly demonstrate that it will not take actions that it can take and that are required to complete the application process.

6. BENEFIT AMOUNT CALCULATION. Households determined eligible for Disaster Program assistance must receive either a half-month or a full month allotment, depending on which disaster benefit period level was authorized by FNS. TRANSMITTAL #35