Name, Address, and Signature Requirements

Name & address:

An application is received without a name or address, make a reasonable effort to contact the applicant. If the applicant is in the office, we ask for an address where they can be contacted.

Applications Marked “Homeless”:

If we receive an application that includes a name and signature, but is marked "homeless" and doesn’t indicate a mailing address, it is still considered a valid application and must be screened. Make a reasonable attempt to locate an address or phone number for the applicant. Do this can by searching the electronic case record, case narrative or remarks, online directories, etc. Even if contact information isn’t available, an appointment letter must be sent to the applicant. Address the letter in the applicant's name to General Delivery for the town indicated on the application. If no town is indicated, send the appointment letter to the applicant by General Delivery for the nearest town. The application must be processed in accordance with the Standards of Promptness guidelines in WAC 388-406-0035 .

Signatures : For cash or Basic Food, an authorized representative may sign an application if the applicant is unable to apply on their own behalf or is unable to sign the application. See Authorized Representative - Food, Cash and Medical Benefit Issuances | DSHS (wa.gov) For all cash programs, a responsible adult member of the assistance unit (AU) must sign the application, even if only one is applying. If both parents of the minor children are living in the home with the minor children, both parents must sign unless one is incapacitated and unable to sign the application. For Basic Food, the signature of one responsible AU member is required unless a current authorized representative (AREP) signs instead. Note: Unless an AREP is durable power of attorney (DPOA), the AREP designation is limited to one certification period. A minor child may sign the application if there is no adult in the AU. A mark is an acceptable signature if another person witnesses it. Online applications for cash or Basic Food are electronically signed when transmitted. The password used to complete the online application is an electronic signature. Applications received without a signature must be signed either at the time of the interview or by mail. See matrix below for signature requirements and date of application for various programs.

For Medical applications, please refer to the application section of the Apple Health Manual .

Application Received Online - for cash or Basic Food In-person, mailed, emailed, faxed, dropped off, or scanned Interactive Interview Declaration (IID) in person or by phone (telephonic signature) Application Signed? Yes Always electronically signed when transmitted. May or may not be signed. If not signed, see “Action to Take.” Yes, when the client signs the printed IID or when both attestation scripts have been read and the client has verbally attested to the accuracy of IID content by phone. Date of Application Date received or next business day if received after business hours If signed, date received or next business day if received after business hours. If not signed, see "Action to Take". For cash and food assistance, the signature on the front page of the application after the applicant's name counts as a signature for the purpose of establishing a date of application. If two-parent household applying for cash, at least one parent's signature is required to establish the date of application. The date the client verbally attests to the first script by phone. For cash and food assistance, the first attestation after collecting the applicant’s name and address counts as a signature for purpose of establishing a date of application. If only the first attestation script is obtained during a call, see “Action to Take”. If a two-adult household is applying for cash, at least one adult’s signature is required to establish the date of application. Action to Take Interview if required or conduct desk review. If applying for cash and a 2-parent household with minor children, obtain other parent's signature at interview or mail back for signature. If not signed, have client sign at interview (if the client is in the office) or mail back for signature. The date we receive the signature is the date of application for food assistance. If applying for cash and a 2-parent household, obtain the other parent's signatures. If only the first verbal attestation is obtained prior to the interview, the second attestation is required to complete the telephonic signature after review of the IID. If applying for cash and a 2-adult household, obtain the other adult’s signature during the telephonic attestation or pend, mailing the IID back for the second signature. Other requirements For cash, both adult signatures are required in a two adult household. For cash, both adult signatures are required in a two adult household. For cash, both adults must sign the IID in a two adult household. For cash, both adults must attest to the second signature script in a two adult household.