In preparation for the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, FNS is sharing critical decision points and important resources state agencies should reference as they plan to reinstate the ABAWD time-limit.
To help SNAP state agencies prepare for the lifting of the COVID-19 federal public health emergency (PHE) declaration on May 11, 2023, FNS is sharing the enclosed table summarizing the timelines for ending PHE flexibilities. These flexibilities include waivers of SNAP regulations, adjustments of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, temporary changes to eligibility criteria for ABAWDs and students, and the issuance of EAs during the PHE.
The Workload Management Matrix provides an overview of available state options, process improvements and administrative and demonstration waivers state agencies may implement to help manage their workload. The strategies in this tool vary in cost and complexity, giving states the option to choose the policy or procedure that addresses their unique circumstances. This updated resource (first shared in 2013) reflects regulatory changes since the first iteration as well as additional tactics state agencies may wish to consider.
FNS-SNAP is providing this example notice to help all state agencies develop their own letter/notice to provide to SNAP households about the changes in student exemptions when the federal public health emergency ends.
FNS is committed to ensuring that all eligible individuals receive SNAP benefits. One policy area that impacts eligibility is the statutory and regulatory restrictions that apply to students enrolled in institutions of higher education (IHE). This memo serves to clarify two elements of longstanding SNAP policy: which individuals are considered enrolled in an IHE and, therefore, subject to the student eligibility rules, and which students are exempt from the SNAP work requirements.
FNS strongly recommends that all states develop a SNAP outreach plan. In addition to increasing enrollment among eligible non-participating households, SNAP outreach can help reduce churn by encouraging existing SNAP households to recertify.
Responding to a renewed sense of urgency for transforming publicly funded work programs to more adequately help participants achieve their dreams and aspirations, states, counties and local agencies are redesigning their employment and training programs to build on participants’ strengths while simultaneously recognizing the toll that racism and trauma have taken on their lives.
Learn more about the Good Jobs Initiative and discuss opportunities for a systems approach to creating good jobs.
During this listening session, FNS invites SNAP E&T stakeholders to share input on how to improve access to SNAP for students.
FNS is committed to advancing equity and improving access to SNAP E&T nationwide and there are exciting efforts to advance equity happening at the state and provider levels.