120-3          FEE AGENT SELECTION

When individuals call to express interest in working with DPA Division of Public Assistance as a fee agent, certain guidelines must be followed to ensure the necessary paperwork and training are completed.  The list below outlines the steps to follow when selecting fee agents.

120-3 A.     APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Have the applicant complete the Fee Agent Application (FA 50 Fee Agent Application) form.  The application is available on the DPAweb under eForms.

2. Review and screen the application.

• • Refer to prior fee agent listing or records to determine if the fee agent has a previous working history with DPA Division of Public Assistance.

3. Conduct an interview with the fee agent.  

Offices and regions must contact either the references provided by the fee agent on the application form or other references available in the community.  Offices must also conduct additional check using interfaces available to DPA such as EIS to disqualify individuals from becoming a fee agent if they have been convicted of fraud in a court hearing, judged to have committed fraud in an administrative disqualification hearing, or signed a waiver of the right to a disqualification hearing.

4. Conduct a reference check.

Offices and regions may develop their own interview questions to determine if the potential applicant will be successful as a fee agent. Some questions to ask to assist regions and offices in making a decision include asking about the following:

• • • Previous experience as a fee agent and whether they were successful in the role or not

    • Experience in interviewing people or assisting others in completing applications

    • Ability to read and understand instructions and follow directions

    • Reasons why they would make a good fee agent

    • Availability to work

    • Reason for applying or wanting to be a fee agent

120-3 B.     NEW SELECTION (HIRE) PROCESS

If the individual has been selected as a fee agent for DPA Division of Public Assistance:

1. Send the fee agent the following forms and materials:

• • Fee Agent welcome letter

  • Fee Agent Provider Agreement (FA 33 Fee Agent Provider Agreement) form to complete and sign

  • Substitute Form W-9

Note:  

This form is required only if the individual is an employee of an organization that signed a fee agent contract with DPA Division of Public Assistance and the employee is acting in a fee agent capacity for that agency.

• • Fee Agent Manual

  • Forms and supplies listed under Appendix D of the Fee Agent Manual (Forms and Supplies List)

2. Conduct fee agent training using the Fee Agent Training Guide.

3. Send Field Services a copy of the signed Fee Agent Agreement form and Substitute Form W-9.