1134 Data Collection of Racial/Ethnic Categories - The worker will request applicants to voluntarily identify their racial or ethnic status on the application form and shall inform the applicant(s) that this designation shall not affect their eligibility or benefit level.

When the information is not voluntarily provided by the household on the application, the worker must ask the applicant to identify their racial/ethnic origin during the interview (see 1412.4). However, the following stipulations are necessary when the self-identification process is used in either the application process or the interview:

• Applicants shall be assured by the worker that information is used for statistical purposes only in determining if the program is administered without discrimination. Racial/ethnic data shall have no effect on an applicant's eligibility to participate and it will not be used for discriminatory purposes.


• The applicant shall be advised that the information is used to ensure that benefits are available to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, or national origin.


• Applicants shall be advised that the information given will be confidential and, should they decide not to provide this information, such a decision will not have an adverse effect on determining their eligibility.