FNS is issuing the attached set of questions and answers to address inquiries received about the implementation of the April 30, 2020, waiver of March, April and May 2020 SNAP QC reviews.
The purpose of this policy memorandum is to provide guidance regarding the criteria for initiating government-wide debarment actions against retail firms that have been disqualified from SNAP.
FNS is extending the public comment period on the proposed rule titled, “Employment and Training Opportunities in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program”, which was published in the Federal Register on March 17, 2020. This action extends the deadline for receipt of public comments to give the public additional time to review the proposed rule.
FNS has received multiple requests from state agencies for various QC related flexibilities in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Extensive certification policy waivers have already made normal QC procedures difficult to apply, and FNS has determined that temporarily waiving the QC review is appropriate.
Questions and Answers for SNAP state agencies related to the reporting of Pandemic EBT and SNAP Emergency Allotments
FNS is permitting all interested state agencies to extend certification periods and accordingly adjust periodic report submission dates for ongoing SNAP households who are due for recertification or periodic reporting through June 30, 2020.
Pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and based on the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, FNS is establishing a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID– 19).
FNS is permitting all interested state agencies to extend certification periods and accordingly adjust periodic report submission dates for ongoing SNAP households who are due for recertification or periodic reporting through June 30, 2020.
The attached is updated guidance to states in implementing Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, which provides for the issuance of additional months of emergency allotments (supplements) based on a public health emergency declaration by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act related to an outbreak of COVID-19 when a state has also issued an emergency or disaster declaration.
This is the second set of questions and answers for SNAP state agencies in response to questions received about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and flexibilities available for program administration during the COVID-19 public health emergency.