Section 1240-01-15-.07 - GENERAL INTAKE INFORMATIONIn addition to the eligibility requirements for the Food Stamp/ AFDC programs, certain other information must be given an applicant during the initial interview. This information is to be given orally and in writing when written information is requested and/or deemed appropriate.
(1) Food Stamps and AFDC. (a) The client is to be informed that he/she is the first source of information concerning his eligibility, and that it is his/her responsibility to provide factual information which substantiates his/her statements about eligibility factors. He/She will be advised that if he/she is unable to secure the needed documentary evidence which may be required to establish his/her eligibility, and if the reason he/she is unable to secure this information is a valid one and he/she asks for assistance in gathering the necessary evidence, such help will be provided. He/She will also be advised that the Department must have substantiating information about certain factors of eligibility and will be making contacts with individuals and organizations in a position to know the facts of his/her circumstances in order to obtain this information. If there is some individual or organization he/she specifically does not wish the Department to contact, the name of such individual or organization must be entered on the release of information form. If it is found that this individual or organization is the only acceptable source for obtaining required information and he/she continues to refuse permission to contact, then his/her eligibility for assistance cannot be determined.(b) That discrimination because of age, race, color, sex, handicap, religious creed, national origin, or political belief is unlawful.(c) That information about his/her HH/AG is held in confidence with the agency.(d) That the Federal Privacy Act can affect his/her HH/AG.(e) That he/she has the right to appeal any agency action he/she believes to be discriminatory or unfair or when action on his/her request for assistance is not taken with reasonable promptness.(f) That it is unlawful for anyone to charge, either directly or indirectly, for help to him/her in filing his/her application with the agency.(g) That the agency has 30 days for Food Stamps and 45 days for AFDC in which to determine his/her eligibility and provide assistance with his/her help and cooperation (except when the HH/AG is entitled to expedited service for Food Stamps).(h) That he/she has the responsibility to provide truthful information about his/her circumstances, substantiating information when requested, and if he/she is approved for assistance, to report any change in his/her circumstances within 10 days of the date the change becomes known to the HH/AG.(i) That he/she is entitled to be referred to Social Services if he/she requests this and will be so referred if evidence of child neglect or abuse is observed.(2) Food Stamp Only. If an HH is applying for Food Stamps, the above explanations are to be given. In addition the HH will be informed: (a) That all unemployed HH members ages 18-59 who are not exempted, must register for and accept work and fulfill other work registration requirements.(b) That Food Stamps may be used only to purchase eligible food items.(c) That if his/her request is approved he/she will receive Food Coupons.(d) That if he/she so requests his/her Food Stamps can be mailed to him/her (special provisions are made for Mail Issuance areas).(3) AFDC Only. If an A/R is applying for AFDC only, explanations listed under (1) above are to be given. In addition, he/she will be informed: (a) That he/she and each member of the AG must furnish or apply for Social Security Numbers.(b) That he/she must assign child support rights to the Department of Human Services.(c) That he/she may claim good cause for failure to cooperate with the Child Support Agency under specific circumstances.(d) That any child support collected directly or through the Child Support Unit must be turned over to the Department of Human Services to reimburse the State for the AFDC payment.(e) That all members of the AG ages 16 and over must register for WIN, unless exempt.(f) That, if approved, he/she will receive a money payment assuming the grant is $10 or greater.(g) That, if approved, he/she may use his/her grant as he/she sees fit in order to meet the needs of his/her family.(h) That approval and payment can be made only after he/she is found to meet all eligibility requirements.(i) The availability of SSI (when age or disability is a factor).(j) That if he/she might be eligible for other benefits (except SSI) he/she must apply for and accept the benefit.Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-01-15-.07
Original rule filed August 15, 1980; effective September 29, 1980. Public Necessity rule filed July 2, 2007; expired December 14, 2007. Amendment filed October 1, 2007; effective December 15, 2007.Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-201 et seq., 4-5-202, 4-5-209, 14-8-106, 14-27-104, 71-1-105, 71-3-152, 71-3-153 and 71-3-154; 71-3-158(d)(2)(D); 42 U.S.C. §§ 601 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. § 608(a)(6)(A); 45 C.F.R. § 206.10; Deficit Reduction Act 2005 ( Pub. L. 109-171 § 7301, February 8, 2006); and 71 Federal Register 37454 (June 29, 2006); and Acts 2007, Chapter 31, 7 CFR 273.2; 45 CFR 206.10.