| DATE: | March 2, 2010 |
| SUBJECT: | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Summary of Certification Interview Policy Relevant to Community Partner Interviewer Demonstration Projects |
| TO: | All Regional Directors Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program |
The Food and Nutrition Service has developed the enclosed table, the Summary of Certification Interview Policy, to highlight certification interview policy and help state agencies convey the interview provisions to community-based organizations (CBOs) that participate in Community Partner Interviewer Demonstration Projects. This table may also be useful to state agencies that are considering requesting Community Partner Interviewer Demonstration Projects and their community partners.
When CBOs are approved to conduct the interview, they take on more responsibility for proper implementation of regulations. In this capacity, CBOs are providing more than application assistance and become representatives of the state agency. It is the responsibility of the state and the CBO to work together to ensure that SNAP policy and procedures are properly implemented and that client rights are protected. The enclosed Summary of Certification Interview Policy table highlights pertinent interview policy provisions within the SNAP regulations.
As dictated by the full terms and conditions of the Community Partner Interviewer Demonstration Project, the state must ensure that the community partner personnel comply with all application processing standards as they apply to SNAP under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, Title 7 Code of Federal Regulations Part 273, and relevant state codes. State agencies must abide by the terms and conditions of Community Partner Interviewer Demonstration Projects and ensure that CBOs uphold all SNAP policies.
State agencies that have questions regarding this guidance should contact their respective regional office representative.
Arthur T. Foley
Director
Program Development Division