Policy memo (101.02 KB)
| DATE: | December 6, 2024 | |
| SUBJECT: | Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Revised Income Guidelines for 2024 | |
| TO: | Regional Directors Supplemental Nutrition Programs MARO, MPRO, MWRO, NERO, SERO, SWRO, and WRO | Directors CSFP State Agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) |
This memorandum transmits revised 2024 Income Guidelines (IGs) for state agencies and ITOs in determining the eligibility of individuals applying to participate in CSFP, with revisions made based on the regulatory changes finalized through the Food Distribution Programs: Improving Access and Parity Final Rule. State agencies and ITOs have the option of implementing these revised 2024 IGs as of Dec. 30, 2024. These guidelines should be used in conjunction with CSFP regulations, at 7 CFR Part 247, which establish household income limits.
Per 7 CFR Part 247.9(b), to be eligible for the program, individuals must be 60 years of age or older and must have household income at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (Poverty Guidelines) published annually by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The revised 2024 IGs in the attached tables contain the maximum income limits by household size to be used for eligibility determinations in CSFP as of Dec. 30, 2024. To establish annual income limits of 150 percent, the Poverty Guidelines are multiplied by 1.50, and the results are rounded up to the next whole dollar. From these results, weekly and monthly income limits are calculated. The first table contains the income limits for households residing in the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Separate income limits for Alaska and Hawaii are established and published annually by HHS, which are reflected in the second and third tables.
CSFP regulations at 7 CFR Part 247.9(d)(1) define “income” as gross income before deductions for such items as income taxes, employees’ social security taxes, insurance premiums, and bonds. Income exclusions are listed in Parts 247.9(d)(2) and (d)(3) and via policy memoranda available online at the Food and Nutrition Service’s (FNS) website at http://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp. State agencies and ITOs may also authorize local agencies to consider the household’s average income during the previous 12 months and current household income to determine which more accurately reflects the household’s status, in accordance with 7 CFR Part 247.9(d)(4).
State agencies should direct any questions they may have regarding the revised 2024 IGs to their respective FNS regional offices.
Sara Olson
Director
Policy Division
Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs