475 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 2, § 002

Current through September 17, 2024

Section 475-2-002 - INTERVIEWS

Interviews may be conducted in person or by telephone. Interviews may be conducted at a mutually acceptable location, other than just the household's home, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program office. Households must have an interview at initial application and may be required at recertification. An applicant may request and receive a face-to-face interview. A face-to-face interview is held if the household requests one or if the Department determines a face-to-face interview is necessary.

002.01SCHEDULING INTERVIEWS. The interview is scheduled as soon as possible to ensure that eligible households receive an opportunity to participate within 30 days after the application is filed.

002.01(A)MISSED INTERVIEW. If a household fails to appear for the first interview, the household is notified in writing that they missed the scheduled interview. The household is responsible for rescheduling the missed interview. If the household contacts the local office within 30 days after the application filing date, a second interview is scheduled.

002.02SITE OF AND ATTENDANCE OF INTERVIEWS. Interviews may be conducted by telephone or at the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program office or another mutually agreed upon location, including a household's residence. If the interview will be conducted at the household's residence, it must be scheduled in advance with the household. The head of household, the individual's spouse, another responsible household member or an authorized representative must participate in the interview.

002.03CONFIDENTIALITY OF INTERVIEWS. The applicant's right to privacy is protected during the interview, and information provided during the interview remains confidential.

002.04CONTENT OF INTERVIEW. During the interview, the individual will be asked to explain any unclear or incomplete information. The individual will receive explanation of:

(A) The application process;

(B) The household's rights, including the right to appeal and the method of filing an appeal;

(C) The penalty warning on the application including the penalties for intentional program violation;

(D) The work requirements, including Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents work requirements, if applicable; and

(E) The household's responsibility to:

(i) Comply with all requirements;

(ii) Notify the worker of the changes required to be reported; and

(iii) Cooperate with quality control reviews and audits.

(F) If the household is also applying for or receiving public assistance through other programs, the other programs' benefits time limits and other public assistance related requirements do not apply to the receipt of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Households that cease receiving public assistance benefits because they have reached a time limit, have begun working, or for other reasons may still qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

002.05RECERTIFICATION INTERVIEW. Interview requirements for recertification applications include:

(A) For households assigned a 6 month certification period, an interview is only required once in a 12 month period. If an interview was not completed at the most recent recertification, an interview is required;

(B) For households assigned to a 12 month certification period, or that will be assigned to a 12 month certification period at the time of the recertification, an interview may not be required at recertification. An interview will still be conducted if there are any outstanding issues or questions about the recertification process;

(C) For recertification applications received by the Department after the end of the certification period, an interview is required;

(D) For households recertifying to the Simplified Reporting Category due to the Transitional Reporting Category certification period ending or closing, an interview will be required;

(E) For all recertifications in which an interview may not be required, an interview will be conducted upon request of the household;

(F) If the Department determines there is insufficient information to be able to reasonably recertify the household with the appropriate benefits without an interview; or

(G) Prior to denying any household that had a 12 month Simplified Reporting Category certification period for their most recent certification period.

475 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 2, § 002

Amended effective 5/21/2016.

Amended effective 7/4/2020

Amended effective 9/17/2024