<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".15" citation="COMAR 07.03.17.15" title_num="07" subtitle_num="03" chapter_num="17" heading="Interview.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The interview may take place:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>When the applicant comes to the local department to request benefits;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>When the local department representative visits the applicant’s residence if §C of this regulation applies;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>When the local department representative meets with the applicant on a date scheduled after the request was received; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>By telephone.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>If the applicant fails to keep the appointment for a face-to-face interview or scheduled telephone interview, the applicant is responsible for scheduling another appointment. If the applicant:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Requests a second appointment and is determined eligible, the local department shall issue benefits from the date of application; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Does not request a second appointment, the local department may deny the application on the 30th day after application.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B-1.">
    <text>Scheduling an Interview at Application. The local department shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Schedule an interview for all applicant households who are not interviewed on the day the household submits an application; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Notify each household that misses its interview that the household:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Missed the scheduled interview; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Is responsible for rescheduling the interview.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>The local department shall notify the applicant that the local department shall waive the office interview in favor of a telephone interview or a scheduled home visit on a case-by-case basis for hardship situations, which include but are not limited to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Transportation difficulties;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Illness;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Care of a household member;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Prolonged severe weather;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Hardship due to residency in a rural area; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Work or training hours that prevent an in-office interview.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>The local department may waive the face-to-face interview in favor of a telephone interview for all households</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Interviews may take place by telephone, at the local department, the household’s residence, or other mutually acceptable location.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>If the interview takes place at the household's residence, the local department shall schedule the interview in advance with the household.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>