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West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Chapter 1

West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Page 52 Chapter 1 Application/Redetermination Process

at least age 18. The authorized representative must have sufficient knowledge of the AG’s circumstances to provide the necessary information. The authorized representative may act on the AG’s behalf in making an application, completing a redetermination or reporting information during the certification period. See Section 10.4 for reported changes. Different individuals may be selected for each activity which may involve an authorized representative, i.e., one AR may participate in an interview and a different AR may report a change. Unless it is otherwise documented from the AG, the authorized representative who completes the application is assumed to be authorized to report changes as well. A recording must be made in case comments regarding the authorized representatives’ status. The AG must be informed that it is responsible for repayment of any over issuance caused by erroneous information provided by the authorized representative. ➢ Restrictions of Authorized Representatives The Regional Director (RD) or Community Services Manager (CSM) may disqualify an authorized representative or authorized cardholder for up to one year, provided there is evidence that the individual has committed any one of the following offenses: • Misrepresenting an AG's circumstances; or • Knowingly providing false information about the AG; or • Using SNAP benefits improperly; or • Using WV WORKS benefits improperly. The Worker must send written notification to the affected AG and the authorized representative or authorized cardholder 30 days prior to the date of the disqualification. The letter must include: the fact that disqualification of the individual is proposed, the reason for the action, the AG’s right to a Fair Hearing, the telephone number of the office and the name of the person to contact for additional information. This disqualification provision does not apply to drug and alcoholic treatment centers and Group Living Facilities (GLFs) which act as authorized representatives, information providers or authorized cardholders for their residents. The following restrictions apply for SNAP Authorized Representatives: NOTE: An authorized EBT cardholder is considered to be authorized to report changes as well, but must not be considered authorized to complete an application or redetermination, unless specified by the AG.