Scheduling the Interview

States must ensure accurate eligibility determinations, and the interview is key in supporting program integrity. You must interview all households that submit a valid application, which includes a name, address, and signature. Unless you interview households on the same day they submit their application, you must schedule an interview. You should schedule interviews as promptly as possible to ensure eligible households receive an opportunity to participate within 30 days after filing an application (and within 7 days if the household meets the criteria for expedited service). 7 CFR 273.2(e)(3), 7 CFR 273.2(i)(3)

To the extent practicable, you must schedule the interview to accommodate the needs of groups with special circumstances, including working households. For in-person interviews, you must also consider and accommodate households with special needs (such as households with elderly or disabled members) or hardships as much as possible when scheduling interviews. Hardship conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Illness
• Transportation difficulties
• Care of a household member
• Hardships resulting from residency in a rural area
• Prolonged severe weather
• Work or training hours that prevent the household from participating in an interview

The state must grant a face-to-face interview to any household that requests one. Additionally, you may provide a home-based interview as you deem necessary if a household meets the hardship criteria and requests one. You may also request a waiver to offer videoconference interviews in addition to in-person face-to-face and telephone interviews (for more information, see the section Waivers). 7 CFR 273.2(e)(2)