The household can choose a nonhousehold member to act as an
authorized representative. The household can designate in writing another
responsible household member or a responsible adult outside the household as an
authorized representative. An adult employee, of an authorized drug addiction
or alcoholic treatment and rehabilitation center or an authorized group living
arrangement center, may act as an authorized representative for the household.
Conditions for an authorized representative are: (3-17-22)
01.
Designating Authorized
Representative. When household members cannot apply for, receive or use
Food Stamps, the household can choose an authorized representative. The
household must appoint the authorized representative in writing. The authorized
representative should be aware of household circumstances. The household should
prepare or review the AFA when the authorized representative will be
interviewed. (3-17-22)
02.
Persons Who Cannot Be an Authorized Representative. Persons with a
conflict of interest may not act as an
authorized representative without the
Department's written approval. The
Field Office supervisor must determine if no
one else is available and give written approval. Persons with a conflict of
interest are listed below: (3-17-22)
a.
Retailers allowed to accept Food Stamps. (3-17-22)
b. Department employees involved in the
certification or issuance process. (3-17-22)
c. A person disqualified for IPV during the
penalty period, unless he is the only adult household member and no one else is
available. (3-17-22)
d. Homeless
meal providers. (3-17-22)
03.
Department Responsibilities.
The
Department will: (3-17-22)
a. Make sure
authorized representatives are properly selected. (3-17-22)
b. Record the representative's name in the
case record. (3-17-22)
c. Not place
limits on the number of households a representative may represent.
(3-17-22)
d. Inform the household
it will be liable for any overissuance resulting from wrong information given
by the representative. (3-17-22)
e.
Make sure the household freely requested the representative.
(3-17-22)
f. Make sure the
household is getting the correct amount of benefits. (3-17-22)
g. Make sure the representative is properly
using the Food Stamps. (3-17-22)
04.
Authorized Representative
Removed. The
Department may remove an
authorized representative for up
to one (1) year if the person knowingly distorts a household's circumstances,
gives false information, or improperly uses the Food Stamps. This provision
does not apply to drug and alcohol centers and group homes.
Written notice must
be sent to the household and the authorized representative thirty (30) days
before the penalty begins. The notice must list: (3-17-22)
a. The proposed action. (3-17-22)
b. The reason for the action.
(3-17-22)
c. The right to a fair
hearing. (3-17-22)
d. The name and
telephone number to contact for more information. (3-17-22)
05.
Contingency Designation. A
household member able to apply for and get Food Stamps can name an authorized
representative, in writing, in case the household becomes unable to use Food
Stamps. (3-17-22)
06.
Emergency Designation. The household may choose an emergency
authorized representative if unforeseen circumstances arise. The household must
complete a statement appointing the person as the authorized representative.
The authorized representative must sign the statement. The household cannot be
required to go to the Field Office to complete this statement.
(3-17-22)
