FOOD STAMP MANUAL REVISION

1120.005.00
1120.005.05
1120.045.00
1120.045.05

FS-1 (SPANISH), APPLICATION FOR FOOD STAMP BENEFITS AND INSTRUCTIONS;

IM-31F (SPANISH), INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING YOUR FOOD STAMP APPLICATION AND FOOD STAMP RIGHTS AND INSTRUCTIONS; AND DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES WEBSITE (FOOD STAMPS SECTION)

• FS-1, Application for Food Stamp Benefits (Internet, Intranet, and hard copy); and
• IM-31F, Instructions for Making Your Food Stamp Application and Food Stamp Rights (Internet, Intranet, and hard copy).

The translation of these forms to Spanish assist Spanish-speaking residents of Missouri in making application for food stamp benefits and makes the program more accessible. We are in the process of adding a Spanish translation on the back of the current Notice of Expiration (NOE/FA-520) and Spanish translations of the NOE paragraphs on the FA-150 Claimant Action Notice. The translation will include instructions for accessing the Spanish FS-1 on the Internet. The translation is anticipated to be ready by September 2004.

This memorandum addresses the following policy related to the Spanish translations.

• mailed application process;
• applicant cannot stay for the interview; and
• in-person applications.

Mailed Application Process

When an individual calls the county office to request a food stamp application, if it is determined the applicant's language proficiency is Spanish, mail the Spanish FS-1 and the Spanish IM-31F forms to the applicant.

If the EU does not wish to wait to receive the forms in the mail, inform the EU s/he may download the FS-1 application and the IM-31F instructions from the Internet by typing www.dss.mo.gov . On the left side of the screen, click on Services A-Z. Click on the "F" at the top of the screen, and then click on Food Stamps under the "F" category. The Food Stamps web page appears. Both the English and Spanish translations are on the website. Do not automatically refer the applicant to the website. Staff must offer to mail the application to the applicant.

Applicant Cannot Stay for the Interview

When an individual is applying for food stamp benefits, his/her language proficiency is Spanish, and s/he cannot wait for the interview, take the following action.

• If the applicant can stay long enough to register the application and sign the FA-100, provide a copy of the Spanish FS-1 to the applicant so s/he understands the information we are collecting regarding the EU members. Allow the applicant to keep the Spanish FS-1 so s/he can read in Spanish the fraud provisions provided on the back of the Spanish FS-1. Provide the Spanish IM-31F so the applicant can read his/her rights and responsibilities.
• If the applicant cannot stay long enough to register the application and sign the FA-100, have the applicant enter his/her name, address, and signature on the front of the Spanish FS-1, make a copy of the form, and send it with the applicant. Provide the Spanish IM-31F so the applicant can read his/her rights and responsibilities.

In-Person Applications

When an individual is applying for food stamp benefits, his/her language proficiency is Spanish, and s/he can wait for the interview, provide a copy of the Spanish FS-1 so the applicant understands the information we are collecting regarding the EU members. Allow the applicant to keep the Spanish FS-1 so s/he can read in Spanish the fraud provisions on the back of the Spanish FS-1. Provide the Spanish IM-31F so the applicant can read his/her rights and responsibilities.

Spanish FS-1 Instructions

The Spanish FS-1 instructions are developed to assist staff. The Spanish FS-1 instructions include the Spanish translation for each section title, with the instructions for each section in English.

County offices will receive an initial supply of the FS-1 (Spanish) and IM-31F (Spanish). Continue to use forms IM-31B/C for the English FS-1. Further supplies of these forms are available from the warehouse using normal ordering procedures.

• Review this memorandum with all appropriate staff.

Attachments
Spanish FS-1 Instructions
Spanish IM-31F Instructions