Introduction

The interview is the most important step in the certification process for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as it serves several key functions. It is an opportunity to ensure the SNAP application is complete, to engage with applicants to fully understand their household circumstances, and to provide the assistance needed to understand their responsibilities in the certification process. This toolkit focuses on SNAP interviews, requirements and best practices. The interview also offers the opportunity to engage with households about needs beyond SNAP and to offer other state services that may be of assistance such as cash assistance, childcare or referrals to other supports that might address household concerns.

Eligibility workers play an essential role in ensuring people in need get the benefits to which they are entitled while preserving and protecting the integrity of the SNAP program. During the interview, eligibility workers:

• Discuss aspects of the application that the household did not complete.
• Screen household members for exemptions from certain SNAP rules.
• Identify and resolve questionable or inconsistent information.
• Explain complex rules to the household and answer questions.
• Explain household rights and responsibilities.
• Identify all verification requirements and assist the household in obtaining needed verification.

The following assumptions apply throughout this toolkit, unless otherwise indicated:

• The term “applicant” or “household member” includes authorized representatives.
• The interview requirements apply to both applications for initial certification and recertification, at least once every 12 months.
• This guide applies exclusively to SNAP requirements.