(a) An applicant or recipient for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has the right to:

• (1) make application on the same day he or she initially contacts Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) in person, by telephone, or by mail;
• (2) designate an authorized representative;
• (3) be provided information about SNAP;
• (4) a face-to-face interview when the person is discussing his or her individual situation with OKDHS;
• (5) a prompt decision in writing of a decision on his or her application and, if eligible, to receive food benefits within 30 calendar days following application;
• (6) retroactive or lost benefits when the application has been wrongfully delayed, denied, or terminated;
• (7) the correct amount of food benefits based upon current budgetary standards;
• (8) equal treatment.  The applicant has the right to be treated the same as all other food benefit recipients.  On the grounds of race, color, religious creed, national origin, political beliefs, age, sex, or disability, a person applying for SNAP is not:
  • (A) excluded from participation;
  • (B) denied benefits;
  • (C) subjected to discrimination;
• (9) a fair hearing if dissatisfied with any OKDHS decision or lack of action in regard to his or her food benefit application.  The client also has the right to examine his or her case record and all files and documents to be used at a fair hearing;
• (10) withdraw his or her application at any time prior to the determination of eligibility.  Once eligibility has been determined, the client has the right to request that his or her case be closed; and
• (11) examine the case file upon written request from a responsible member of the household or its authorized representative.  OKDHS may withhold confidential information, in accordance with OAC 340:50-1-6.

(b) The applicant or recipient has the responsibility to:

• (1) submit an application containing a legible name, address, and signature if he or she wants to participate in SNAP;
• (2) participate in a face-to-face interview unless it may be waived per OAC 340:50-3-2(b).  The applicant or recipient has a face-to-face interview with a worker prior to initial certification and either a face-to-face or a telephone interview for all recertifications;
• (3) supply information essential to the establishment of his or her eligibility to participate in SNAP;
• (4) provide required or requested verification.  Gross non-exempt income and identified alien status are verified for all households prior to certification.  The household has primary responsibility for providing verification. Certain exceptions to these requirements are specified at OAC 340:50-3-3;
• (5) be accountable for all information given by the authorized representative that includes any overissuance of benefits that result from erroneous information given by an authorized representative;
• (6) report certain changes.  The applicant has the responsibility to report all changes which occur between the date of application and the certification interview.  The recipient has the responsibility to report certain changes in circumstances within ten calendar days from the date the change becomes known to them;  • 1
• (7) cooperate by providing required information;
• (8) register for work, unless otherwise exempt, at the time of the initial application and at each recertification; and • 2
• (9) provide a Social Security number (SSN) for each household member.

(c) OKDHS has the responsibility to:

• (1) accept an identifiable application when submitted.  An identifiable application is an application containing a legible name, address, and a signature;
• (2) take prompt action on all applications by either approving or denying the application within 30 calendar days from the date the application is filed;
• (3) take prompt action on all changes to determine if the change affects the household's eligibility or entitlement;
• (4) notify the client of the need for recertification just prior to or at the start of the last month of the household's certification period;
• (5) recertify eligible households timely so there will not be a break in the benefits the client is eligible to receive;
• (6) restore lost benefits when the food benefits were wrongfully denied, delayed, or terminated;
• (7) give adequate and/or timely notice of action when appropriate; and
• (8) provide services.  The local human services center (HSC) ensures that the operating hours meet the needs of recipients or applicants who work.  Annually each office is reviewed to ensure that such needs are met.  The results of these reviews are retained in the Family Support Services Division for review by Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).