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Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0190 SNAP - Temporary Increase in Maximum Allotments due to COVID-19 (revised as of 12/28/2020)

The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 increases SNAP benefits by raising maximum allotments to 115 percent of the June 2020 value of the Thrifty Food Plan. This memorandum provides the revised maximum SNAP allotment amounts by household size for the 48 states and D.C., Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the Virgin Islands. 

12/28/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0005 Use of SNAP Employment and Training Funds for SNAP Recipients Who Are Attending High School

This memo provides guidance on the use of SNAP E&T funds to pay for services for individuals who are attending high school. In most cases, it is likely neither legal nor appropriate to use E&T funds to pay for services for individuals are attending high school. In some instances, however, it is allowed and encouraged to use E&T funds for individuals who are of high school age, such as for individuals aged 16-17 who are subject to SNAP work requirements.

12/21/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0191 Use of Employment and Training Funds for SNAP Recipients Who Are Attending High School

This memo provides guidance on the use of SNAP E&T funds to pay for services for individuals who are attending high school. In most cases, it is likely neither legal nor appropriate to use E&T funds to pay for services for individuals are attending high school.

12/21/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0186 SNAP – Q&As on Quality Control Related Provisions of PL 116-159

FNS is issuing the attached set of questions and answers to address inquiries received about the implementation of QC related provisions in the continuing resolution PL 116-159.

11/23/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0185 P-EBT Assistance for Children in Schools that are Closed or have Reduced Attendance

This document provides information to states to assist in the development of state plans to operate Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) for school children during school year 2020-21.

11/16/2020
Resource | Policy Memos P-EBT State Plans for SY 2020-21

The Continuing Appropriations Act 2021 and Other Extensions Act extends Pandemic EBT through the end of September 2021. That means that P-EBT is now available for all of school year 2020-2021.

11/16/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0161 Quality Control Due Date Extension for June 2020 Case Reviews

The Secretary is exercising the option provided in SNAP regulations to grant states additional time to dispose of individual QC cases. States will be given an additional 45 days to report the findings of all cases selected for the June 2020 sample month, without the need to provide a separate explanation.

09/02/2020
Resource | Policy FY 21 SNAP QC Tolerance Level

SNAP’s QC system uses a tolerance level to set the threshold for determining which errors are included in the national payment error rate calculation. Based on changes in the Thrifty Food Plan, the tolerance threshold will increase to $39 for FY 2021.

SNAP QC PM 20-01
08/27/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0134 Retailer Eligibility - Prepared Foods and Heated Foods

This memorandum defines heated foods, hot foods, and cold prepared foods in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailer eligibility determinations. Only staple food products are counted toward a firm’s eligibility to participate in SNAP. Heated foods, hot foods, and cold prepared foods are not considered staple foods, and are not counted when determining if a firm meets Criterion A or Criterion B to be eligible to participate in SNAP as an authorized retail food store.

SNAP 2020-06
07/29/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0133 SNAP - FY 2021 Cost of Living Adjustments

This memorandum provides the fiscal year 2021 Cost-of-Living Adjustments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deductions. Under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, COLAs are effective as of Oct. 1, 2020.

07/29/2020
Page updated: October 14, 2021