OAR 461-115-0230: Temporary rule language in effect until 11/27/2026. Interviews

(1) In the Refugee Assistance (REF), Refugee Assistance Medical (REFM), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs, (a) An interview with an adult in the filing group (see OAR 461-110-0330 and OAR 461-110-0430 ) or the authorized representative (OAR 461-115-0090) of the filing group is required at initial application and renewal of benefits. (b) An interview may be conducted via phone, office visit or offsite location. (c) A face-to-face interview must be granted at the applicant’s request. (2) For the purposes of this rule, "hardship" includes, but is not limited to: (a) Care of a household member; (b) An individual's age, disability (see OAR 461-001-0000), or illness; (c) A commute of more than two hours from the individual's residence to the nearest branch office (see OAR 461-001-0000); (d) A conflict between the individual's work or training schedule and the business hours of the branch office ; and (e) Transportation difficulties due to prolonged severe weather or financial hardship. (3) In the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): (a) An interview must be scheduled so that the filing group (see OAR 461-110-0370) has at least 10 days to provide any needed verification before the deadline under OAR 461-115-0210. (b) A face-to-face interview must be granted at the applicant's request. (c) When an applicant misses the first scheduled interview appointment, the Department must inform the applicant by notice of the missed interview. (d) An applicant who fails to attend a scheduled interview must contact the Department no later than 30 days following the filing date (OAR 461-115-0040) to be eligible for benefits. (e) An adult (see OAR 461-001-0015) or primary person (see OAR 461-001-0015) in the filing group , an adult or primary person excluded from the filing group under OAR 461-110-0370(8)(b), or the authorized representative (see OAR 461-001-0000, 461-115-0090, and 461-135-0510) of the filing group is interviewed: (A) Once every 12 months; or (B) Once every 24 months if the filing group qualifies for and has a 24-month certification period (see OAR 461-001-0000) under OAR 461-115-0450. (4) In the Oregon Supplemental Income Program Medical (OSIPM) program, the Department must complete an interview at the following times: (a) At initial application or evaluation for OSIPM, not including individuals who are assumed eligible (see OAR 461-135-0010). The interview can be completed with any individual authorized to sign the application under OAR 461-115-0071(3). (b) At renewal, not including individuals who are assumed eligible. The interview requirement shall be waived at renewal if the individual is unable to complete the interview due to incapacity and an authorized representative has not been designated. (c) When any single individual in a nonstandard living arrangement (see OAR 461-001-0000) becomes legally married (see OAR 461-001-0000), including individuals who are assumed eligible. (5) In the Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI) program, an interview is required at initial application and renewal. (6) In the Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS) program, the Department will conduct a required face-to-face interview with the survivor, unless there is a safety concern related to the domestic violence (see OAR 461-001-0000) situation or there is a hardship . An interview due to safety concern or hardship may be completed via phone, home visit, or offsite appointment. (7) Individuals applying for long-term services and supports, including individuals receiving Health Systems Division (HSD) medical programs (see OAR 461-001-0000) and individuals who are assumed eligible, are required to complete an interview at initial application. The services subject to this rule section include: (a) Nursing facility services (see division 070 of OAR chapter 411). (b) Home and community-based care (see OAR 461-001-0030(4)), including 1915(k) Community First Choice services (see OAR 411-004-0010(6)(a)(C)).