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Department
of Human Services Families
First Online Policy Manual Interviewing for Eligibility |
Revised: |
5.8 |
INFORMATION PROVIDED DURING THE INTERVIEW TO THE CLIENT |
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The client
is responsible for supplying verification to establish eligibility. However, the agency will obtain information
that is available to the agency or when it is more feasible for the agency to
obtain the information. The individual
should be given information as to what sources are acceptable. Never deny a case for failure to provide a
particular source of verification when another source of verification is
acceptable. The client’s statement is
acceptable verification when: ·
The client tries but is unable to obtain
the information; and ·
The information is not available to and
cannot be made available to DHS. Provide, assist, or explain the following
information to the client
during the interview: ·
Give the client an explanation about what
information is needed and what proofs are acceptable. ·
Explain the Diversion program to new
applicants. ·
Explain time limits and give the client
information regarding his/her current time count (if appropriate). ·
Inform the client that DHS will contact
some individuals or organizations to establish proof of his/her eligibility.
The client must be given an opportunity to refuse to give the right to secure
information from an individual or agency.
If it is determined that a particular person or organization is the
only acceptable source for certain required information and the client
refuses permission to contact that source, then deny or terminate
eligibility. ·
Assist individuals who are hearing or
visually impaired or otherwise in need of special assistance by providing a
reasonable means of communication about the program and their case activity. ·
Provide the Civil Rights pamphlet to each
applicant. Discrimination because of
age, race, color, sex, handicap, religious creed, national origin, or
political belief is unlawful. ·
Inform the client that information about
his/her circumstances will be held in confidence. ·
Inform the client of his/her right to
appeal any Department action that he/she believes to be discriminatory or
unfair or when action on a request for assistance is not taken with
reasonable promptness. ·
Explain that it is unlawful for anyone to
charge, either directly or indirectly, for helping the client file an
application with the agency. ·
Explain that a request for assistance must
be completed within 45 days. Approval
can be made only after all eligibility requirements are met. ·
Explain that each AU member who is applying
for Families First cash assistance must furnish or apply for a Social
Security number. ·
Explain that clients are entitled to be
referred to the Department of Children’s Services, if requested. Individuals must be referred if evidence of
child neglect or abuse is observed. ·
Each AU adult and minor parent must have a
Personal Responsibility Plan. Discuss
the requirements of the Personal Responsibility Plan. Give the client information about: - Work
requirements and possible support services - Penalties
for failure to comply with the PRP - Child care ·
Explain to all clients: - That the
AU’s rights to child support must be assigned to DHS. - That the
caretaker must cooperate with Child Support Services to: § Identify all
absent parents § Locate all
absent parents § Establish
court-ordered support -
That he/she can claim good cause
for failure to cooperate and what that claim entails. (See Child Support Cooperation Chapter for
details.) -
How the AU may be eligible for
child support pass-through payments. ·
Give a copy of the Child Support
Handbook to the applicant/recipient. ·
Explain that the client can register to
vote at the DHS office. ·
Explain that, if the applicant is approved,
the AU will receive a cash assistance payment. ·
Explain that the cash assistance may be
used as the applicant sees fit to meet the needs of the family. ·
Explain that, if the client is eligible for
other benefits (other than SSI), the client must apply for and accept the benefits. SSI is a potential benefit when age or
disability is a factor. Applying for
SSI is optional, not required. ·
Explain that individuals under age 21 are
eligible for Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSD&T)
provided as a service of the Department of Health. ·
If the applicant is age 18-24, ask whether
he or she was ever in state custody as a child. If the answer is yes, direct them to the
following website regarding services that may be available to them: http://www.tn.gov/youth/services/interdependent.htm ·
Explain other program policies that may
apply: - Family cap - Marriage During receipt - EITC - Transitional benefits ·
At each application and renewal interview,
give each applicant/recipient: - Diversion Agreement (at application) if
applicable - PRP copy - Privacy Act pamphlet - Civil Rights pamphlet - Child Support Handbook |
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