Authorized Representatives

Authorized Representatives. A. Applicants may authorize representatives to act on a household’s behalf either: 1. During the application process; 2. Obtaining benefits; or 3. Utilizing SNAP benefits. B. A non-household member may be designated if assistance is needed with the application process provided such person is an adult, is familiar with the current circumstances of the household and such designation has been made in writing by the head of household/primary individual, the spouse or another responsible household member. C. An authorized representative may conduct some household duties during the certification period, such as change reporting. D. Residents of drug or alcohol treatment centers must apply and be certified through an authorized representative. E. Drug or alcohol treatment centers and group living arrangements, which act as authorized representatives, must use the EBT card for food prepared and served to those residents participating in SNAP. F. Residents of group living arrangements have the option to appoint an authorized representative. G. Authorizing a benefit representative to obtain benefits should be encouraged in case of illness or other unforeseen circumstances. H. The authorized benefit representative for obtaining benefits may be different from the authorized representative in the application process. I. A household may agree for any household member or non-member to use its electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card to purchase food or meals. J. Restrictions: Agency employees involved in the certification of benefits and retailers who accept SNAP benefits may not act as authorized representatives without specific written approval by a designated state official. K. A person disqualified for an intentional program violation cannot act as an authorized representative during the disqualification period unless MDHS approves. L. If MDHS has determined that an authorized representative has provided false information or used the EBT card improperly, it may disqualify that person from being an authorized representative for up to one (1) year. M. To prevent abuse, MDHS may set a limit on the number of households an authorized representative may represent. N. Homeless meal providers may not act as authorized representatives for homeless SNAP recipients. O. Households must be informed that it will be liable for any overpayments that result from erroneous information provided by the authorized representative. P. Exception: Drug and alcohol treatment centers or other groups living arrangements that act as the authorized representatives will be liable.