Documentation and Control of Authorized Representatives

The worker shall ensure that authorized representatives are properly designated. The name of the authorized representative shall be contained in the household's case file. Limits shall not be placed on the number of households an authorized representative may represent. In the event that a single authorized representative has access to a large number of SNAP benefits, such as an employer of migrant or seasonal farm workers who is designated as an authorized representative for several households, the worker should exercise caution that: (A) The household has freely requested the assistance of the authorized representative; (B) The household's circumstances are correctly represented and the household is receiving the correct amount of SNAP benefits; and (C) The authorized representative is properly using the SNAP benefits. Except in cases of drug and alcohol treatment centers and group homes, the Department may disqualify the authorized representative from participating as an authorized representative for up to one year if the Department has obtained evidence that the authorized representative has misrepresented a household's circumstances and has knowingly provided false information about the household, or has made improper use of SNAP benefits. The Department shall notify the household and the authorized representative in writing 30 days before disqualification. The notice shall include the proposed action; the reason for the proposed action; the household's right to request a fair hearing; and the appropriate Department telephone number; and the name of the person to contact for additional information.