Who Can Complete a MC Application

The following individuals may file an application for MC.

  • Any person who wishes to receive MC,
  • An applicant or spouse,
  • A primary tax filer,
  • An adult who is caring for a child who is not a relative may apply for MC for the child, if the parent is not available.
  • An applicant's guardian or conservator or executor (A copy of the court order must be filed in the case record),
  • A public agency representative. If an applicant does not have a spouse, conservator or guardian and is:
    • Unable to apply
    • Incapable,
    • Incompetent,
    • Comatose,
    • An amnesiac,
    • Deceased,
  • A person who knows of the applicant's need to apply,
  • A child, if:
    • Requesting minor consent services, Refer to Application Requirements. 
    • No person or agency accepts legal responsibility for that child. This includes minors who are living on their own and not claimed as a tax dependent.
  • A non-custodial parent.

Note: Individuals approved for CW are automatically eligible for cash-linked MC and are not required to submit a separate MC application.

IMPORTANT: Refer to Persons Who May Represent a Client for complete information about who can represent the client and the requirements for persons who are representing an incompetent client, LTC, etc.

Applications from Non-Custodial Parents

Generally, the person or agency having legal responsibility for a child completes and signs the SSApp. If the custodial parent is incompetent, comatose or is suffering from amnesia, then a non-custodial parent can complete the SSApp.

Note: Notices for the non-custodial parent's case must only be sent to the non-custodial parent. 

Family Members

Some applicants or clients want family members to assist in the eligibility determination process at application, redetermination (RD) or at any other time.

EWs must consider the client's circumstances when a client requests to have family members help with the application process. Family members most often have an ongoing interest in the affairs of the client, whereas an authorized representative (AR) is usually a non-family individual who has no interest in the client other than the approval of MC benefits. This difference is important and EWs must consider it when determining whether a person may assist a client beyond the application and RD process.

In all situations, EWs must make sure client information is kept confidential. Client information is released to family members only with client's specific knowledge and consent. If the client would like to appoint a family member to act as an AR, then the MC 382 or another authorized method of appointing an AR must be completed by the client.

ExampleExampleThe EW has questions about the unreported earnings on an Income Eligibility Verification System (IEVS) report. Darlene Talamazoo wants her sister to help clarify those questions. At Darlene's request, the EW must allow the sister to attend the interview scheduled with Darlene to explain the IEVS information. Darlene's sister is not an AR and therefore is not restricted to only providing assistance during an application, MC RD, or an appeal.

Related Topics

HIPAA/PII

Application

Persons Who May Represent a Client