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West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Chapter 1

West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Page 20 Chapter 1 Application/Redetermination Process

WV WORKS, Emergency Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIEAP), and Emergency Assistance require a face-to-face interview. An interview is required for SNAP but may be completed by phone or face-to-face. Medicaid does not require an interview. The interview may be completed by the client or authorized representative visiting the office, or by the Worker making a home visit. Whether or not a face-to-face interview is required is found in program-specific sections of this chapter, along with any information that is specific to a particular program. When it is not feasible for the applicant to be interviewed, if an interview is required or requested, on the date he expresses his interest, he must be allowed to complete the process at a later date. An appointment may be scheduled for his return, or the client may return at his convenience, depending upon the procedure established by the CSM. • The same procedure must be used for all applicants within the county. • If a household misses a scheduled interview appointment, it is the household’s responsibility for rescheduling. To the extent practicable, the State agency must accommodate the applicant. Regardless of the program or Medicaid coverage group for which the client applies, the Worker is responsible for the following when an interview is conducted: • Screening the client for all DFA benefits and explaining that he may be eligible for more than one benefit. The client must be given the opportunity to apply for any programs in which he expresses an interest, even if the Worker is able to pre-determine his ineligibility. • Informing him that providing SSN’s for non-applicants is not required but will be used to facilitate enrollment in insurance affordability programs for verification of financial information. • Reviewing the DFA-2 or other application form to make certain that the client understood each question and answered to the best of his ability. If the client is unable to complete the form himself, and there is no one else to help him, the Worker must complete the form based on information provided by the client. • Explaining the applicant's responsibility to provide complete and accurate information and the penalties for failure to do so. SNAP-ONLY EXCEPTION: SNAP applicants must be given a scheduled interview when 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.