• filing joint applications, 

• scheduled interviews, and

• missed interviews.

Food Stamp Program regulatory changes allow applicants to file a joint application for more than one program or file a separate application for food stamps independent of their application for benefits for any other program.  Begin informing households of this policy when the household requests an application for benefits. 

As a customer service, offer applicants for the Food Stamp Program and any other IM program the opportunity to complete a single application form (IM-2) if appropriate.  If the applicant indicates a preference for completing a food stamp application separate from applying for any other program, or it is more reasonable due to IM program requirements and Food Stamp Program requirements, complete separate application forms.

SCHEDULED INTERVIEWS

Per Memorandum IM#-197 dated 11/05/01, all food stamp applications require either an in-person interview or a telephone interview.  Schedule an interview for all applications that are mailed-in, dropped off, or the household cannot stay for the interview.  Schedule the interview as promptly as possible to ensure application time frames are met including expedited issuance of benefits for eligible initial applicants.  Send form IM-31, Appointment Letter/Request for Contact, to notify or confirm the scheduled appointment date, time, and whether the interview is by phone or the location of an in-person appointment.

The IM-31, Appointment Letter/Request for Contact, is revised to provide appointment options.  It also includes a statement to households that the household is responsible for rescheduling a missed interview and to discuss the option of a telephone interview. 

Timely reapplication interviews must be scheduled to ensure the household has at least 10 days after the interview to provide verification before the certification period expires.  If the household misses the first appointment, reschedules for after the 20th day following the application date, it must provide any necessary verification at the interview. 

MISSED INTERVIEWS FOR FOOD STAMPS

Households that miss a scheduled application interview appointment are responsible for rescheduling the missed interview.  This policy is revised from requiring the agency to schedule a second interview. 

The household must be notified of a missed interview and that it has 30 days from the date the application is filed to reschedule the appointment.  A new form, IM-31M, Notification of Missed Interview, is developed to notify households of the missed interview.  Complete and mail this form immediately after the missed interview. 

If the household reschedules and attends the interview and is eligible for food stamps, issue benefits from the date of application.  If the household fails to contact the office to reschedule another interview, reject the application the first working day after the 30th calendar day following the date of application.

The Food Stamp Manual is being revised and will be available as soon as it is complete.  File the revised form, IM-31, Appointment Letter/Request for Contact, and form IM-31M, Notification of Missed Interview, with instructions, in the IM Forms Manual.

• Review this memorandum with all appropriate staff.

• Allow food stamp applicants to file a joint application for more than one program or file an application for food stamps independent of his/her application for any other program.

• Send an IM-31, Appointment Letter/Request for Contact, to schedule an appointment for an interview.

• Send an IM-31M, Notification of Missed Interview, to households who miss the scheduled appointment instructing them to contact the worker to reschedule the appointment.

• File the forms, with instructions, in the IM Forms Manual.