The client may authorize a representative. An authorized representative means a person who is authorized by an applicant or participant to act on their behalf in matters involving the application for assistance or participation in the program. Inform authorized representatives of household responsibilities and rights, including household reporting responsibilities, consequences for knowingly providing false information about household circumstances and improper use of benefits. See 0003 (Client Responsibilities and Rights), 0007 (Reporting), 0025 (Benefit Adjustments and Recovery). The representative the client chooses must meet the program criteria in 0005.06.03 (Who Can/Cannot Be Authorized Representatives).

The authorization must be in writing and signed by the client and/or the authorized representative. This applies even if the authorized representative is the client's guardian or conservator, or holds the client's power of attorney. The client may use the authorized representative section of the Combined Application Form (CAF) or MNbenefits, or a written, signed statement to designate an authorized representative. See 0005.12.06 (Who Must Sign Applications). The statement must designate the scope of the authorized representative's involvement.

When a client is unable to appoint an authorized representative, you may allow another person to act as an authorized representative if they meet the criteria in 0005.06.03 (Who Can/Cannot Be Authorized Representatives).

Authorized representatives may contact the agency, attend interviews, complete forms, provide documentation, and appeal county agency decisions.

NOTE: Code authorized representatives on STAT/AREP. PF1 on the STAT/AREP screen for more information.


MFIP:
A unit may authorize a representative to obtain and use the unit's food portion benefits. The authorized representative for obtaining benefits may or may not be the same person designated as an authorized representative for the application process or for meeting reporting requirements during the certification period, See 0024.04 (How Benefits Are Paid), TEMP Manual TE16.02 (EBT - Additional Adults).


MSA, GA, HSP:
Follow general provisions.


SNAP:
A unit may authorize a representative to obtain and use the unit's food benefits. The authorized representative for obtaining benefits may or may not be the same individual designated as an authorized representative for the application process or for meeting reporting requirements during the certification period. See 0024.04 (How Benefits Are Paid), TEMP Manual TE16.02 (EBT - Additional Adults).

Residents of institutions may apply on their own behalf or through an authorized representative, EXCEPT for residents of drug or alcohol treatment programs who must apply through an authorized representative who is an employee designated by the center. See 0005.06.03 (Who Can/Cannot be Authorized Representatives), 0011.12 (Institutional Residence), 0014.03.06 (Determining the SNAP Unit).
For residents (including minors) of group living arrangements for the disabled or blind, the facility determines whether people are physically and mentally fit to apply on their own or through an authorized representative of their choice.