This memo provides clarification on the application of Sections 751 and 752 of the FNS Handbook 310. The clarifications reflect long-standing review procedures and information previously provided in response to policy inquiries and during trainings.

The activities that are covered by this Information Collection Request include the transition from individual collections for program waivers and state plans to a new application supporting multiple USDA programs.

SNAP benefits that are stolen on or after Dec. 21, 2024, are not eligible for replacement using federal funds. SNAP state agencies can choose to replace stolen benefits using state funds. There is no guarantee that state-funded replacements would be retroactively reimbursed with federal funds. 

This memorandum covers questions related to provisions in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Standardization of Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances rule and the implementation process. FNS plans to publish additional question and answer guidance in the following months.

This memorandum is to remind state agencies it is important for state SNAP QC staff to have access to WIMS. In addition, FNS encourages SNAP state agencies to regularly train all staff on the approved alternative procedures for all current SNAP waivers and demonstration projects.

This memorandum provides information about the approximately $500 million in additional support for emergency food programs that USDA is providing in FY 2025 under the statutory authority of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act for distribution through The Emergency Food Assistance Program.

This memorandum clarifies that telephonic and virtual fair hearings and administrative disqualification hearings are allowed, reminds state agencies of related requirements, and recommends various best practices when conducting telephonic or virtual hearings. This memo rescinds and supersedes previous telephonic hearing guidance provided in FNS policy memos 82-14 and 83-05.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have news to share! SSA recently made changes to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, making it stronger and simpler for more than a quarter of a million older adults and people with disabilities. These changes could potentially increase SSI payments and allow more people to become eligible for the program.

This memorandum provides CSFP state agencies, including ITOs, with guidance on the requirements for verifying the identity of CSFP participants prior to the distribution of USDA Foods.

The final rule, SNAP: Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances, was published in the Federal Register on Nov.18, 2024. This final rule amends SNAP regulations for calculating standard utility allowances (SUAs) and expands allowable shelter expenses to include basic internet costs. The rule also finalizes updates to the treatment of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program payments. This memo provides a summary of the final rule provisions.