102            INTERVIEWS

Most DPADivision of Public Assistance programs require an interview with the applicant or member of the household. Interviews can be conducted face-to-face, by phone or, in rare circumstances when a face-to-face or phone interview is not possible, by correspondence.

The caseworker may require a face-to-face interview if they determine it is appropriate to the situation unless attending in person is a hardship to the household. A face-to-face interview must be provided when requested by the household.

Note:

There is no interview requirement for MAGIModified Adjusted Gross Income or Senior Benefits applications.

An interview is never required for the receipt of a SNAPSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Interim Report Form (FSP 95SNAP Interim Report Form).

If the interview requirement is temporarily waived, the circumstance must be documented in the case record. The caseworker conducts the required interview by telephone or face-to-face as soon as possible, and re-evaluates the information, documentation, and eligibility decision.

If the client submits an application by mail and the household is entitled to SNAPSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program expedited service, the interview will be conducted by the first working day following the date of receipt of the application.

The caseworker may require the applicant or client to participate in an interview anytime there is questionable information on the application. This interview can be face-to-face or by telephone, depending on the client's circumstances and whether or not the caseworker can explore the facts by telephone.

Each program has different requirements for when the caseworker can temporarily waive the interview requirement and make a decision on an application without any type of interview. Refer to the appropriate policy manual for specific program requirements on the frequency of interviews and when an interview can be waived.