MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

The Food Stamp/Temporary Assistance Interview Guide (FSTAIG) has been created to provide an alternative means for an individual to complete the interactive interview for Food Stamps and/or Temporary Assistance when the following occurs:

• during emergencies/disasters when staff take applications away from the FSD office;
• when applications are taken in the applicant’s home or a mutually acceptable site; or
• when the computer system is inaccessible for 48 hours or longer.

Do NOT use this form when the applicant starts and cannot complete the interview, or the computer system is inaccessible for a short period of time.

The FSTAIG is a method to record interview information that would normally be gathered and entered directly into FAMIS during the interactive interview.  When using the FSTAIG complete the following steps:

• have the applicant complete and sign the FS-1 and/or IM-1 as appropriate;
• conduct the interview and record on the FSTAIG; and
• enter the information gathered into FAMIS as soon as possible.

During a disaster, further instructions may be given for processing applications when the system is unavailable.

Do not give the form to the applicant to complete.  The eligibility specialist asks the questions and completes the form while conducting the interview.  It is important to ask follow-up questions and have a discussion of eligibility factors the same as during the interactive interview in FAMIS.

Date-stamp the Interview Guide, the FS-1, and/or the IM-1 upon return to the FSD office.  Retain the Interview Guide in the case file permanently.  Mail a copy of the FSTAIG to the applicant as soon as possible.

The WORD version of the FSTAIG and instructions are available on the Intranet. The FSTAIG form will not be available from the warehouse.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

NEY