Core Requirements

Once an application is filed, you must ensure the following program rules are followed:

• Only state agency merit system personnel are authorized to conduct SNAP interviews and determine eligibility. These interviewers are commonly referred to as “eligibility workers” (for information about using non-merit pay staff to interview, see the section Operational Considerations).
• Eligibility workers must provide applicants with an opportunity to interview before an eligibility decision is made.
• Eligibility workers must interview the head of the SNAP household, spouse, any other responsible member of the household, or an authorized representative. The eligibility worker must allow the applicant to bring any person they choose to the interview.
• Eligibility workers must conduct the interview as an official and confidential discussion of household circumstances and protect the applicant’s right to privacy during the interview.

Options and Flexibilities

States have considerable flexibility regarding the length of the interviews, as long as they complete the required components. To increase efficiency, you may focus the interview specifically on the items in the application that appear to make the applicant ineligible, such as excessive income or resources. While this approach enables states to tailor the interview to the household’s circumstances, you must ensure that the applicant is given the opportunity to ask questions, explain any questionable information, and understand the process so you can determine eligibility timely and accurately.