1110 Authorized Representative

Georgia State Seal

Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
TANF Policy Manual

Policy Title:

Authorized Representative

Effective Date:

December 2022

Chapter:

1100

Policy Number:

1110

Previous Policy Number(s):

Updated or Reviewed in MT:

MT-70

Requirements

A TANF assistance unit (AU) may designate someone as the authorized representative to act on behalf of the AU.

Basic Considerations

An authorized representative may be one of the following:

  • an adult (age 18 and older), non-AU member who is sufficiently aware of relevant AU circumstances and has been designated, in writing, by the head of household, spouse, or another responsible member of the AU,

  • the only adult AU member who is IPV disqualified, when the agency has determined that there is no one else available to serve,

  • an employee of a private, non-profit organization or institution or publicly operated community mental health center administering a drug addiction or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation center,

  • an employee of a publicly operated community mental health center,

  • an employee of a public or private non-profit group living arrangement certified for no more than 16 residents who are disabled or blind.

The following individuals may not serve as authorized representatives without written approval of the county director:

  • an employee of DFCS involved in certification of TANF benefits,

  • an individual involved with issuance of TANF benefits,

  • DFCS social services staff, if it is determined the individual, they are working with is unable to act on his own,

  • a homeless meal provider for a homeless A/R.

Approval is given only when it is determined no one else is available to serve as authorized representative.

Authorized representatives may be designated to do all or one of the following:

  • file application for the AU, however, the application must be signed by the individual requesting assistance (See TANF Policy 1105-1)

  • attend the interview for the AU

  • purchase items with the TANF benefits on a regular or emergency basis

  • carry out responsibilities during the POE such as, reporting changes.

Designate in writing an individual who meets the criteria to act as authorized representative. In writing means the following:

  • documentation of the AU’s statement on the interview guide during the interview.

  • a release form signed by the AU authorizing someone to act on behalf of the AU.

  • a written statement from the AU naming someone as authorized representative.

Explain the following policies to the AU:

  • The AU should prepare and review the information provided for the application even though the authorized representative will be interviewed.

    • The AU will be liable for any overpayment which results from erroneous information given by the authorized representative.

Disqualification of an Authorized Representative

An individual who serves as an authorized representative and has improperly used TANF benefits or knowingly provided false information to the agency is disqualified as an authorized representative for one year.

Drug and alcohol treatment centers which act on behalf of their residents cannot be disqualified.

Notify the AU and the authorized representative in writing 30 days prior to the date of disqualification, providing the following information:

  • Proposed action,

  • Reason for the action,

  • Right to a hearing,

  • Telephone number of the agency,

  • Name of the person to contact.

The AU may appeal the disqualification. The authorized representative may not appeal the disqualification. If an individual acts on behalf of more than one AU, each AU has the right to appeal the disqualification.

Documentation

The name and address of the authorized representative must be recorded in the AU’s case file.

Verification

An authorized representative is required to verify his/her identity when applying for an applicant/recipient’s TANF benefits.