WHO MUST SIGN APPLICATIONS
ISSUE DATE: 09/2024
Any member of an applicant household or their designated authorized representative MAY sign the application.
MNbenefits allows two people to sign the application electronically by typing their names in the signature fields provided on the application. The electronic signature is a legally valid signature. Accept the electronic signature as entered into MNbenefits, if the name and spelling entered represents one of the allowable applicant signees in the household.
If the client is unable to sign their name, accept an “X” or a gesture as a valid signature. A gestured signature includes, but is not limited to, the use of signs and expressions to communicate “Yes” or “I agree” in American Sign Language (ASL), Manually Coded English (MCE) or another similar language or method during an interview, in person or over a video link.
See 0005.12.09 (Date of Application) for additional signature requirements when the client signs the 1st page or the last page of the Combined Application Form.
After you determine which applicants are members of a unit, there are certain people who MUST sign the application. When an application is submitted, the signatures are required on the signature page of the application. If additional signatures are required for the application, send the applicant the signature page at the end of the application along with the DHS-2919 requesting the missing signature(s). See the program provisions below for more specific information.
Electronic signatures on the CAF are legally valid. See 0005.12.07 (Electronic Signatures).
If multiple units appear on the same application, signature requirements apply to each separate unit.
See 005.06 (Authorized Representatives), 0005.06.03 (Who Can/Cannot Be Authorized Representatives).
MFIP, DWP:
The following people must sign the application:
● | All adult members of the unit or their authorized representative acting on their behalf. |
● | The spouse of an assistance unit member, if the spouse lives with the applicant. |
● | The parents and stepparents of a minor child, if they live with the applicant. |
● | All minor caregivers. |
SNAP:
One adult member of each unit or their authorized representative must sign the application. A verbal signature is also acceptable. See 0005.12.08 (Verbal Signatures).
See 0005.12.09 (Date of Application) for additional signature requirements when the client signs the 1st page or the last page of the CAF.
MSA:
The following people must sign the application:
● | The applicant or authorized representative acting on the applicant's behalf. |
● | The applicant's spouse, if the spouse lives with the applicant. |
● | The parents of a minor blind child, if they live with the applicant. |
GA:
The following people must sign the application:
● | The applicant or their authorized representative acting on the applicant's behalf. |
● | All adult members of the unit or their authorized representative acting on their behalf. |
● | The spouse of a unit member if the spouse lives with the applicant. |
In addition, the agency must sign and date the application.
GRH:
The following people must sign the application:
● | The applicant or their authorized representative acting on the applicant's behalf. |
● | The parents of a minor blind child, if they live with the applicant. |
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PREVIOUS REVISIONS
| Date | Notes |
|---|---|
| 09/2023 | Clarification on e-signature. |
| 12/2022 | in GA changes CAF to Application |
| 05/2022 | in general provisions adds information if client is unable to sign their name & signature requirements when client signs 1st or last page of Combined Application Form. In SNAP adds signature requirements when client signs 1st or last page of the CAF. |
| 02/2022 | delete ApplyMN because it was replaced with MNbenefits. |
| 01/2020 | in general provisions adds a new last paragraph with cross-references to 005.06 (Authorized Representatives), 0005.06.03 (Who Can/Cannot Be Authorized Representatives). |
| 01/2018 | in general provisions and in GA changes page 9 of the CAF to page 8. It also adds a new 4th paragraph in general provisions that electronic signatures on the CAF are legally valid. |
| 08/2015 | in general provisions and in GA changes page 10 of the CAF to page 9. |
| 08/2013 | adds ApplyMN language. |
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