Ohio Administrative Code
Title 5101:4 - Division of Food Stamps
Chapter 5101:4-2 - Application Process
Section 5101:4-2-07 - Food assistance: initial interview process

(1) Upon receipt of an application, as defined in rule 5101:4-2-01 of the Administrative Code, the county agency is to conduct an interactive interview with a member of the assistance group or an authorized representative for the assistance group making application.

(2) The county agency is to schedule an interview for all applicant assistance groups who are not interviewed on the day they submit an application. The interview notice is to contain the date and time of the interview. The notice is to also list the phone number the county agency will call when completing a phone interview, or the phone number the applicant will call to complete the interview with the county agency.

(3) When separate applications are filed for assistance groups residing in the same household, each assistance group that has applied on a separate application is to be interviewed or scheduled for an interview.

(4) When scheduling an interview, the county agency is to consider and attempt to accommodate any special circumstances or requests from an assistance group, including the assistance group's work schedule.

(5) The county agency is to schedule all interviews as promptly as possible to ensure eligible assistance groups receive an opportunity to participate within thirty days after the application is filed.

(1) The county agency may conduct an:

(2) The type of interview conducted is left to the county agency's discretion unless the applicant requests a face-to-face interview. The county agency is to grant a face-to-face interview to any assistance group that requests one.

(1) The interview may be conducted with the head of the assistance group, spouse, any other responsible member of the assistance group or an authorized representative.

(2) When it is obvious the applicant is not mentally competent and is not able to understand the hearing rights, the applicant is to name an authorized representative to receive notices.

(3) An applying assistance group is to report all changes related to its supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) eligibility and benefits at the certification interview.

(4) The JFS 01846, "Case Worksheet- Cash, Food Stamps, and Medical Assistance Interview," is to be completed by the county agency when the statewide automated eligibility system is down for an extended period of time or a home visit is necessary.

(1) Review the information appearing on the application, and explore and resolve unclear and incomplete information.

(2) Perform necessary collateral contacts and collect necessary verifications.

(3) Conduct the interview as an official and confidential discussion of assistance group circumstances.

(4) Protect the applicant's right to privacy during the interview. County agencies are to ensure that the facilities used to conduct the interview preserve the privacy and confidentiality of the interview.

(5) Advise assistance groups that are also applying for or receiving Ohio works first (OWF) cash assistance benefits that time limits and other duties that apply to the receipt of OWF benefits do not apply to the receipt of SNAP, and that assistance groups that stop receiving OWF benefits because they have reached a time limit, have begun working, or for other reasons, may still qualify for SNAP benefits.

(6) Confirm the assistance group is not subject to an intentional program violation.

(7) In accordance with rule 5101:9-2-02 of the Administrative Code, the county agency is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) plan adopted by the county agency. This includes, but is not limited to, providing the assistance group with an explanation of their rights under the amendments to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 2008 and offering additional screening to any individual that discloses, has, or appears to have a physical or mental condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

(8) Notify the assistance group of their right to request a copy of their completed application.

(9) Confirm that a member of the assistance group has not been convicted of and is not out of compliance with the terms of the sentence for crimes described in rule 5101:4-2-03 of the Administrative Code. The county agency is to document the individual's attestation in the case record.

(10) In accordance with rule 5101:4-3-11 of the Administrative Code, determine if each assistance group member is subject to one or more work requirements by screening for exemptions from the work requirements.

(11) Advise assistance groups of their rights and responsibilities during the interview, including the appropriate application processing standard and the assistance group's responsibility to report changes. This includes:

(12) Ensure each member of the assistance group subject to a work requirement receives a written notice during the certification process that includes the following information:

(1) The county agency is to notify an assistance group of its missed interview appointment by using the JFS 04218 "Notice of Missed Interview" or the statewide automated eligibility system equivalent, in accordance with rule 5101:4-5-07 of the Administrative Code and inform the assistance group they are responsible for rescheduling a missed interview.

(2) When the assistance group contacts the county agency within the thirty-day application processing period, the county agency is to schedule a second interview.

(3) The county agency is not to deny an assistance group's application prior to the thirtieth day when the assistance group fails to appear for the first scheduled interview.

(4) When the assistance group requests a second interview during the thirty-day application processing period and is determined eligible, the county agency is to issue prorated benefits from the date of application.