7 CFR § 273.2(d)(1) and (2)

Deny households refusing to cooperate in completing the application process at the time of refusal.  

Note: Disqualified and Ineligible Members are part of the household and must cooperate.

Refusal to cooperate means the household is able to cooperate, but shows the worker they will not take required actions to complete the application process.  

Example: A household telling you they will not be interviewed shows refusal to cooperate. A household missing their scheduled interview is not a refusal to cooperate, and the application must not be denied for refusal. 

Individuals are not found uncooperative when someone outside of the household fails to provide requested verifications. Example: An employer. 

See Disqualification for Refusal to Cooperate for information about cooperation with Quality Control.

Record Refusal

7 CFR § 273.2(f)(6)

Record the following information when a household refuses to cooperate:

• the action the household was asked to take,
• the reason the action is required to determine eligibility,
• the household is capable of completing the action,
• how the agency informed the household of the actions they need to take, and the dates they were informed, and 
• the household has indicated verbally or in writing that it chooses not to take the action.