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Resource | Training and Outreach Elderly Simplified Application Project

The Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) is a demonstration project that seeks to increase participation among the elderly low-income population by streamlining the application and certification process.

12/16/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Retailer Eligibility - Application of 6 Month Waiting Period

This memorandum clarifies the use of the 6 month waiting period for failing to meet SNAP eligibility requirements under Criterion A or B of program regulations. Section 9(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act and section 278.1(k) of program regulations require firms failing to meet eligibility requirements under Criterion A or B wait a minimum of 6 months before reapplying for SNAP authorization.

07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Retailer Eligibility - Firms Colocated with a Restaurant

This memorandum clarifies policy related to implementation of the final rule, "Enhancing Retailer Standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program," which amended the definition of "retail food store,"  to say that, when multiple firms operating at the same location meet certain elements, FNS will consider them a single firm when determining eligibility for SNAP authorization.

07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Retailer Eligibility – Need for Access

SNAP regulations provide that the FNS must determine if an applicant firm may be authorized to participate  under "Need for Access" if located in an area with significantly limited access to food and the applicant firm has failed to meet the staple food requirements for eligibility under Criterion A or Criterion B.

07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Retailer Eligibility - Clarification of Criterion A and Criterion B Requirements

To be SNAP-authorized, a store generally must meet one of two eligibility standards: Criterion A (staple food stock) or Criterion B (staple food sales). Staple foods are the basic food items that make up a significant portion of an individual’s diet and are usually prepared at home and consumed as a major component of a meal.

07/13/2020
Resource | Policy FY 2021 State Management Evaluation Target Areas

FNS is targeting the areas of program operation listed, for state SNAP Agency Management Evaluations for the upcoming fiscal year. State SNAP agencies are required to conduct MEs for the target areas in the upcoming fiscal year.  

06/29/2020
Resource | Policy Memos ABAWD Time Limit Policy and Program Access Memo

This memorandum provides guidance to states in taking the balanced approach necessary to properly implement the SNAP time limit for able-bodied adults without dependents.

11/19/2015
Resource | Policy Memos Same Sex Marriage and SNAP Mandatory Household

This memorandum restates the FNS policy on the treatment of same-sex marriages with regard to Section 3(m)(2) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended.

07/15/2015
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents Q&As June 2015

Section 6(0) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 limits ABAWD eligibility for the SNAP to 3 months in any 36-month period, unless the individual meets the ABAWD work requirement or is otherwise exempt. FNS is providing the attached guidance in response to recent questions from state agencies concerning ABAWD policy.

06/30/2015
Resource | Research and Data | Demonstrations Assessment of the Contributions of an Interview to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility and Benefit Determinations

This study was designed to assess whether the elimination of the eligibility interview at certification and recertification would have adverse effects on client and worker outcomes. FNS awarded grants to two States—Oregon and Utah—to conduct demonstrations in which the eligibility interviews at certification and recertification were completely eliminated. An analysis of the demonstrations that provide estimates of the contributions of eligibility interviews in determining SNAP eligibility and benefits was conducted.

05/14/2015
Page updated: October 14, 2021