0105.025.00 INTERVIEW PROCESS

Each Temporary Assistance application requires at least one face to face interview with the claimant or someone allowed to sign the application.

An interview is not required for Temporary Assistance, MO HealthNet, or Adult Cash Assistance applications.  Refer to Signing And Dating The Application.

When an interview is held, use it as the basic tool for obtaining information to establish the applicant's eligibility. Also use it to inform the applicant about the program and their responsibilities.

0105.025.05 INTERVIEW PROCEDURES

1. During the interview, have the applicant complete and sign the application. Make the applicant aware of the programs administered by FSD so that the applicant can choose which program(s) to apply for. However, if the applicant does not want to sign an application without discussing eligibility requirements, or says that only information is wanted, give the requested information. Such a request is considered a request for information if no application form is signed.

NOTE: Offer Voter Registration.

2. Explain to each applicant the eligibility requirements pertinent to his or her application. Discuss fully any point on which the applicant has indicated particular concern. Make sure that each point of eligibility is covered as the interview progresses.
3. Clearly and in an understandable manner, notify the applicant in writing of the information needed to determine eligibility. Inform the applicant of his or her responsibilities as well as deadlines for supplying needed information.

If the applicant informs the Eligibility Specialist that he or she is experiencing difficulty in obtaining the information, staff should assist the applicant. Applications rejected prior to time limits must have documentation that the Eligibility Specialist attempted to make every effort to obtain the needed information. Failure to do this is an agency error. See 0105.045.00 Delays in Processing IM Applications for this information.

If available, the applicant must provide needed information to determine eligibility. Give the applicant a ten day deadline to supply the information. Additional time may be given if warranted by the situation or program. For Temporary Assistance and MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind or Disabled programs two written requests MUST be sent to ensure the applicant has had an opportunity to provide the needed information. The allotted time frame for the written request must be at least 10 days from the date of issuance of the request. The Eligibility Specialist will be responsible for giving the applicant the first written Request for Information (FA-325) at time of application interview or completion of the Controlled Flow (CONFLOWS) in FAMIS. If the first FA325 is not printed by the Eligibility Specialist, FAMIS automatically prints and mails the Request for Information (FA325) in the overnight batch. This allows for timely generation of an automated second FA325 Request for Information sent by FAMIS for any outstanding verification that still exists following expiration of the first FA325. When the first written request expires a second FA325 request is automatically generated and sent to the applicant to allow the participant an additional 10 days to return requested information. The second FA325 Request for Information can be viewed or printed from the Document Queue (FMVM or DOCQUE) screen and is designated as request number "Two".

For MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MHABD), Supplemental Aid to the Blind (SAB), Blind Pension (BP), Supplemental Nursing Care (SNC), Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low Income Beneficiary (SLMB) and Qualified Working Disabled Individual (QWDI) applications, the Eligibility Specialist must generate one FA325.

If FAMIS does not automatically generate an appropriate follow up FA325, the Eligibility Specialist must generate one through DOCQUE. Further FA325’s are not required unless:

• the applicant has provided part, but not all, of the information requested on the original FA325, or
• if the applicant has provided information requested but it is insufficient to be used in determining eligibility or
4. the applicant has shown a good faith effort in obtaining the information but has requested more time. Date stamp any documentation or correspondence provided with the date received. This includes information obtained during the initial interview.
5. An applicant shall not be required to provide documentation if the division has access to the information, unless it is inaccurate, incomplete, or insufficient. During the initial interview, have the applicant complete and/or sign the needed forms to obtain information or establish eligibility.
6. An application cannot be rejected because of failure of a person outside the household to provide information. Explore alternative methods of establishing eligibility on those factors in question.
7. Give the appropriate pamphlets and forms to the applicant during the initial interview. This is a mandatory part of every application interview to provide each applicant with a written notice of rights and responsibilities.
8. Explain direct deposit of the cash grant for all applicable programs during the initial interview. If the applicant wishes to have payments made in this way, the Agreement For Direct Deposit form must be signed at this time.
9. Explain Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) of the Temporary Assistance grant to new applicants.
10. If at any point during the interview it is apparent that the applicant is ineligible, if possible, give the individual a full explanation of the reasons for ineligibility.

Be sure to explore eligibility for other programs.

Example: If the applicant is ineligible on income for Temporary Assistance cash, explore eligibility for MO HealthNet benefits, etc.

In addition, explain to the applicant that she or he is not responsible for verification of information causing ineligibility. We will accept his or her statement. Inform the individual that if the application is rejected, a new application may be filed at any time. Also inform the individual that she or he has hearing rights on the rejection of assistance, even if eligibility exists for another program.

0105.025.10 Joint IM and Food Stamp Application Interview

If the household is applying for both IM and Food Stamps, conduct a single interview for all programs involved. For Food Stamp interview requirements, see the Food Stamps manual.