Current through September 24, 2024
In addition to the eligibility requirements for the Food
Stamp/ AFDC programs, certain other information must be given an applicant
during the initial interview. This information is to be given orally and in
writing when written information is requested and/or deemed appropriate.
(1) Food Stamps and AFDC.
(a) The client is to be informed that he/she
is the first source of information concerning his eligibility, and that it is
his/her responsibility to provide factual information which substantiates
his/her statements about eligibility factors. He/She will be advised that if
he/she is unable to secure the needed documentary evidence which may be
required to establish his/her eligibility, and if the reason he/she is unable
to secure this information is a valid one and he/she asks for assistance in
gathering the necessary evidence, such help will be provided. He/She will also
be advised that the Department must have substantiating information about
certain factors of eligibility and will be making contacts with individuals and
organizations in a position to know the facts of his/her circumstances in order
to obtain this information. If there is some individual or organization he/she
specifically does not wish the Department to contact, the name of such
individual or organization must be entered on the release of information form.
If it is found that this individual or organization is the only acceptable
source for obtaining required information and he/she continues to refuse
permission to contact, then his/her eligibility for assistance cannot be
determined.
(b) That discrimination
because of age, race, color, sex, handicap, religious creed, national origin,
or political belief is unlawful.
(c) That information about his/her HH/AG is
held in confidence with the agency.
(d) That the Federal Privacy Act can affect
his/her HH/AG.
(e) That he/she has
the right to appeal any agency action he/she believes to be discriminatory or
unfair or when action on his/her request for assistance is not taken with
reasonable promptness.
(f) That it
is unlawful for anyone to charge, either directly or indirectly, for help to
him/her in filing his/her application with the agency.
(g) That the agency has 30 days for Food
Stamps and 45 days for AFDC in which to determine his/her eligibility and
provide assistance with his/her help and cooperation (except when the HH/AG is
entitled to expedited service for Food Stamps).
(h) That he/she has the responsibility to
provide truthful information about his/her circumstances, substantiating
information when requested, and if he/she is approved for assistance, to report
any change in his/her circumstances within 10 days of the date the change
becomes known to the HH/AG.
(i)
That he/she is entitled to be referred to Social Services if he/she requests
this and will be so referred if evidence of child neglect or abuse is
observed.
(2) Food Stamp
Only. If an HH is applying for Food Stamps, the above explanations are to be
given. In addition the HH will be informed:
(a) That all unemployed HH members ages 18-59
who are not exempted, must register for and accept work and fulfill other work
registration requirements.
(b) That
Food Stamps may be used only to purchase eligible food items.
(c) That if his/her request is approved
he/she will receive Food Coupons.
(d) That if he/she so requests his/her Food
Stamps can be mailed to him/her (special provisions are made for Mail Issuance
areas).
(3) AFDC Only.
If an A/R is applying for AFDC only, explanations listed under (1) above are to
be given. In addition, he/she will be informed:
(a) That he/she and each member of the AG
must furnish or apply for Social Security Numbers.
(b) That he/she must assign child support
rights to the Department of Human Services.
(c) That he/she may claim good cause for
failure to cooperate with the Child Support Agency under specific
circumstances.
(d) That any child
support collected directly or through the Child Support Unit must be turned
over to the Department of Human Services to reimburse the State for the AFDC
payment.
(e) That all members of
the AG ages 16 and over must register for WIN, unless exempt.
(f) That, if approved, he/she will receive a
money payment assuming the grant is $10 or greater.
(g) That, if approved, he/she may use his/her
grant as he/she sees fit in order to meet the needs of his/her
family.
(h) That approval and
payment can be made only after he/she is found to meet all eligibility
requirements.
(i) The availability
of SSI (when age or disability is a factor).
(j) That if he/she might be eligible for
other benefits (except SSI) he/she must apply for and accept the
benefit.
Authority: T.C.A. §§
4-5-201 et seq., 4-5-202, 4-5-209,
14-8-106, 14-27-104, 71-1-105, 71-3-152, 71-3-153 and 71-3-154;
71-3-158(d)(2)(D); 42 U.S.C. §§ 601 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. §
608(a)(6)(A); 45 C.F.R. § 206.10; Deficit Reduction Act 2005 (
Pub. L.
109-171
§ 7301, February 8, 2006); and 71
Federal Register 37454 (June 29, 2006); and Acts 2007, Chapter 31,
7 CFR
273.2;
45 CFR
206.10.
