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West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Chapter 1

West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Page 3 Chapter 1 Application/Redetermination Process

must be seen on that day and not be required to return again to complete the application process. 1.2.1.B Right to General Information The Worker must provide the requested information to all those who have applied for benefits, or who inquire about the requirements for receiving benefits. This information includes a basic explanation of the eligibility requirements and answers to general questions. • If the Worker does not know the answer to the general question, he must consult with his Supervisor. • If the answer is unknown to the Supervisor, they may submit the question to the appropriate Policy Unit. • Applicants, potential applicants, or their authorized representative must not be referred to the Policy Unit for a direct response. • The Worker must not act as a financial planner or make suggestions about the client’s current or future financial situation. 1.2.1.C Right to Consideration for All Programs It is the Worker’s responsibility to explain and make available all of the Department of Human Services’ (DOHS) programs for which the applicant could qualify. The Worker must evaluate potential eligibility for all programs based on the available information, unless the applicant specifically states he is not interested in being considered for a specific program. When an applicant has been evaluated and eligibility is confirmed, a client notice is issued from the eligibility system to inform the applicant that he may be eligible for a benefit for which he did not apply and that he must contact his local office for information or to apply. SNAP ONLY: SNAP applicants must be given a scheduled interview if it is not feasible to conduct an interview on the date the application is made. Any special needs such as, but not limited to, the applicant’s work schedule, must be accommodated.