MFIP, MSA, GA, HSP:
No provisions.


SNAP:
Counties and Tribal Nations may accept a verbal signature from an adult member of the SNAP unit or a designated Authorized Representative to sign an application or renewal form without the need for an audio recording. When a client provides a verbal signature, they are attesting to the accuracy of the information they have provided on the application or renewal form. Indicate clearly in MAXIS case notes that the application or renewal form was accepted over the phone and a verbal signature was accepted. Include the client’s name, date and time of application/renewal and a summary of the information provided to the client for verbal approval and the client’s response indicating agreement or disagreement of information provided.

When accepting a verbal signature eligibility workers may complete the application or renewal form over the phone and interview at the same time.

Office Support Staff (OSS) are also able to assist applicants with setting the date of an application and filling out the entire application or renewal form with the client over the phone. The OSS is allowed to take a verbal signature over the phone for application or renewal purposes only and cannot complete the interview to determine eligibility for programs.

The OSS should explain this to the applicant so they understand an eligibility worker will be calling back for a phone interview. The OSS should ask each question on the application or renewal form and mark the client’s answers without suggestions regarding program eligibility. The OSS must remain neutral and let the client know the eligibility worker will answer program specific questions during the interview.

When verbally completing an application or renewal over the phone and accepting a verbal signature, all the informational sections on the application or renewal must also verbally be reviewed with the client while they are on the phone. This includes the penalty warnings and qualification questions.

For system instructions, see POLI/TEMP TE02.05.25 (Verbal Signatures for SNAP).