Sec. 07.03.17.15. Interview

A. The interview may take place:

(1) When the applicant comes to the local department to request benefits;

(2) When the local department representative visits the applicant’s residence if §C of this regulation applies;

(3) When the local department representative meets with the applicant on a date scheduled after the request was received; or

(4) By telephone.

B. If the applicant fails to keep the appointment for a face-to-face interview or scheduled telephone interview, the applicant is responsible for scheduling another appointment. If the applicant:

(1) Requests a second appointment and is determined eligible, the local department shall issue benefits from the date of application; or

(2) Does not request a second appointment, the local department may deny the application on the 30th day after application.

B-1. Scheduling an Interview at Application. The local department shall:

(1) Schedule an interview for all applicant households who are not interviewed on the day the household submits an application; and

(2) Notify each household that misses its interview that the household:

(a) Missed the scheduled interview; and

(b) Is responsible for rescheduling the interview.

C. The local department shall notify the applicant that the local department shall waive the office interview in favor of a telephone interview or a scheduled home visit on a case-by-case basis for hardship situations, which include but are not limited to:

(1) Transportation difficulties;

(2) Illness;

(3) Care of a household member;

(4) Prolonged severe weather;

(5) Hardship due to residency in a rural area; or

(6) Work or training hours that prevent an in-office interview.

D. The local department may waive the face-to-face interview in favor of a telephone interview for all households

E. Interviews may take place by telephone, at the local department, the household’s residence, or other mutually acceptable location.

F. If the interview takes place at the household's residence, the local department shall schedule the interview in advance with the household.