Effective April 15, 2002, for the Food Stamp Program, if the information received is unclear or incomplete, and the worker is unable to determine the impact of the change on the household's eligibility, a written request for contact is sent to the household.  The IM-31, APPOINTMENT LETTER, is revised to include a request for contact and is now called "APPOINTMENT LETTER/REQUEST FOR CONTACT".  Memorandum IM-#39, dated March 27, 2002, introduces this revised form.

The written request for contact (RFC) tells the household we need to talk to them to clarify the household's circumstances and determine on-going eligibility.  The household is given ten (10) days to contact Division of Family Services.

If the household's circumstances are clear and the worker only needs verification to establish eligibility and/or benefit amount the IM-31A, REQUEST FOR INFORMATION, is used.  Follow current policy if the household reports a change to Division of Family Services and the worker needs to verify information before acting on the change.

Example 1:  A neighbor reports there is an additional person living with the food stamp household.  Send a written request for contact using form IM-31, APPOINTMENT LETTER/REQUEST FOR CONTACT, asking the household to call within ten (10) days.  The Reason for Contact could be "We have received a report that there is a person living in your household who was not previously reported."

Example 2:  The household requests their Temporary Assistance case be closed.  Send a written request for contact for the household to call will within ten (10) days.  The Reason for Contact could be  "We need to determine how you are managing with zero income".

Example 3:  The household submits an IM-145 CHANGE REPORT reporting a new job but does not give the name of the employer or verification.  Send an IM-31A, REQUEST FOR INFORMATION, for the household to supply wage information within ten (10) days.

If the household provides the information necessary to determine the household's continued eligibility, action is taken on the case following current policy and procedures.

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff. 

• Send a written Request for Contact if information is received about changes in a household's circumstances, and more information is needed to determine continued eligibility for food stamp benefits.