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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES APPLICATION PROCESSING

10/24 VOLUME V, PART II, PAGE 21

2. Using SNAP Benefits

The authorized representative may use SNAP benefits to purchase food for the household's consumption. The household will give its implied consent to the representative for access to the EBT account as long as the household does not withdraw access to the account by the representative, either by naming another representative or by canceling the representative’s access.

3. Restrictions on Appointment

Certain individuals may not serve, as an authorized representative for a household unless the agency determines there is no one else to assist the household in this capacity. Restrictions apply to the designation of the following individuals as authorized representatives:

a. Local agency employees;

b. Retailers authorized to accept SNAP benefits;

c. Individuals disqualified for an intentional program violation;

d. Homeless meal providers, for homeless recipients.

e. Previously named representatives who knowingly provided false information about a household’s circumstances or improperly used the household’s SNAP benefits.

Local agency employees who certify households or who update the EBT administrative terminal or retailers who accept SNAP benefits may not act in any capacity as an authorized representative without a determination by the local agency director that no one else is available to serve. The agency must file the specific written approval of the local agency director in the case file.

Individuals who are disqualified for an intentional program violation may not act as authorized representatives during the disqualification period unless the disqualified individual is the only adult member of a household able to act on its behalf. The local agency must determine that no one else is available to serve. The local agency must determine separately whether the household needs such an individual to apply on behalf of the household, to obtain benefits, and to use the benefits for food for the household.

Example

A household has found an authorized representative to obtain its benefits each month but it has not been able to find anyone to purchase food regularly with the benefits. If the local agency is also unable to find anyone to purchase the food, the disqualified member may do so.

Homeless meal providers may not act as authorized representatives for homeless SNAP households. TRANSMITTAL #35