7 CFR § 271.2 & 7 CFR § 272.1(c)(3) & 7 CFR 273.2(c)(1)(i) and (iii) and (7)(iv)(B) and (d) and (e)(1)-(3) and (f)(1)(viii) and (5)(i)-(ii) and (i)(4)(i)(B) and (j)(1)(iv) and (n)(1)-(3) & 7 CFR § 273.14(b)(2)-(3)


Authorized representatives (A-Reps) and authorized shoppers are chosen to act on behalf of the EDG by the:

EDGs note in writing the name of the individual they choose as an A-Rep or authorized shopper.  


The EDG may appoint one A-Rep and up to two authorized shoppers.  The A-Rep or the authorized shopper receive their own EBT card.


The EDG may provide written notice to stop approval of an A-Rep or authorized shopper at any time.  Deactivate the A-Rep or authorized shopper’s EBT card.

Eligible A-Reps and Authorized Shoppers 

7 CFR § 273.2(n)(1)(i)-(ii) & 273.11(e)(1)


Ensure the A-Rep or authorized shopper meets the following requirements:

  • a nonhousehold member,
  • 18 years of age or older,
  • aware of the EDG’s situation, and
  • designated in writing by the EDG, or
  • the assigned A-Rep for the Addiction Treatment Center.  See Addiction Treatment Center for A-Rep requirements.

Note:  Group Living for the Disabled facilities may also have designated A-Reps for their residents.  See Group Living for the Disabled for A-Rep requirements.


A-Rep and Authorized Shopper Actions

A-Reps

7 CFR 273.2(n)


A-Reps can complete the following actions when acting for the EDG:

  • Apply for SNAP benefits for the EDG.
  • Complete the interview.
  • Complete work registrations.
  • Gather and provide required information or verifications.
  • Obtain and use the EDG’s SNAP benefits to purchase allowable food. 

Exception: The A-Rep cannot obtain and use the EDG’s SNAP benefits if the EDG appoints an authorized shopper.


Authorized Shopper

7 CFR 273.2(n)(2)-(3)


Authorized shopper actions are limited to obtaining and using the EDG’s SNAP benefits to purchase allowable food for the EDG. 


A-Rep and Authorized Shopper Restrictions

7 CFR § 273.2(n)(4)(i)-(iii)


Restrictions regarding who can be an A-Rep: 

  • DSS employees who approve or issue benefits may only act as an A-Rep/shopper if no one else is available.  A DSS Administrative Official must provide written approval. 
  • Homeless meal providers are not eligible to act as an A-Rep/shopper for a homeless EDG.
  • Individuals currently disqualified for IPV may not be an A-Rep/shopper for the EDG unless: 
    • there is no other adult in the EDG, and 
    • a new A-Rep/shopper cannot be assigned. 

Note: Other excluded individuals may be an A-Rep for the EDG if the individual is an adult with knowledge of the EDG’s situation. 

  • Retailers who accept SNAP may only act as an A-Rep/shopper if no one else is available.  A DSS Administrative Official must provide written approval.


A-Reps/shoppers are not limited to the number of EDGs they can represent, unless DSS sets a limit to prevent SNAP abuse.


Use caution when A-Reps/shoppers are the employer, such as those who employ migrant or seasonal farmworkers, or single A-Reps/shoppers who represent large numbers of EDGs.  Assure: 

  • the EDG freely requested the A-Rep/shopper, 
  • the EDG’s circumstances are correctly represented, and 
  • the benefits are used appropriately.   


A-Rep and Shopper Disqualifications

7 CFR 273.2(n)(4)(i)(B)-(C) and 7 CFR § 273.11(e)(7) and (f)(6)


A-Rep/shoppers are disqualified from being an A-Rep/shopper for one year when the agency determines the individual:

  • knowingly provided false information about the EDG, or
  • used the benefits improperly.

Exception: This does not apply to Addiction Treatment Centers or Group Living for the Disabled facilities. See Institutions Approved as Retailers Acting as an A-Rep/Authorized Shopper.


Notify the EDG and the individual 30 days before disqualifying the individual as an A-Rep/shopper. Include in the notice:


Overpayments

7 CFR § 273.2(n)(1)


Inform the EDG they are responsible for any overpayment caused by information the A-Rep reported. 

Exception: Addiction Treatment Centers and Group Living for the Disabled facilities are responsible for overpayments caused by information reported by their A-Reps.


Institutions Approved as Retailers Acting as an A-Rep / Authorized Shopper

7 CFR § 273.1(b)(7)(vi)(B) & 7 CFR § 273.11(e)(8) and (f)(6) & 7 CFR 273.13(b)(11) & 7 CFR § 278.6


Addiction Treatment Centers and Group Living for the Disabled A-Reps approved as retailers by FNS are disqualified by FNS, not the State. This action is taken only after an administrative or judicial determination shows benefits were:

  • misappropriated, or
  • used for purchases that were not used for the EDG’s meals. 


Refer institutions suspected of these actions to the Fraud Unit for referral to FNS.


Note:  Addiction Treatment Centers and Group Living for the Disabled facilities who lose their retail food store authorization by FNS also lose their institution exemption. The resident is no longer eligible for SNAP because they are a resident of an ineligible institution.


Verification 

7 CFR § 273.2(f)(1)(vii)


The A-Rep must verify their identity when applying for an EDG.


Last Update

Source #

Effective Date