In a continuous effort to provide state agencies with opportunities for greater flexibility, FNS will provide longer approval periods for the administrative waivers listed below as these waivers have been shown to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of SNAP operations.
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance for state agencies and program operators on the status of nationwide waivers of statutory and regulatory requirements in the Summer Food Service Program.
This memorandum revises the current USDA Food and Nutrition Service process for state agencies and eligible service providers seeking a waiver of statutory or regulatory program requirements for the child nutrition programs, including the CACFP, the SFSP, the NSLP, the FFVP, the SMP, and the SBP.
FNS has recently been reviewing its SNAP waiver processes and procedures. This memo serves to notify SNAP state agencies that FNS is no longer approving new interest income verification waivers or extending existing waivers.
This memo serves to notify SNAP state agencies that sending e-notices and informing clients that they have a new notice via email is now a state option, provided that the state meets each of the conditions described in the memo.
Section 6(o) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 limits ABAWD eligibility for SNAP to 3 months in any 36-month period, unless the individual meets the ABAWD work requirement or is otherwise exempt. The law also provides that states may qualify to temporarily waive the 3-month time limit in areas with high unemployment or depressed labor markets.
This memo provides additional guidance to state agencies interested in submitting renewal requests for the indefinite waivers expiring April 30, 2015.
In recent years, FNS has approved several innovative waiver requests that have afforded states new flexibility in administering SNAP. Because these waivers are relatively new, untested, and complex, FNS categorizes them as "novel" waivers.
FNS has recently undertaken a review of its waiver processes and the effectiveness of its approved waivers. Specifically, FNS has recently reviewed the "Early Denial" waiver, also known as "10-Day Denial" waiver, which waives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regulations at 7 CFR 273.2(g)(3) and 7 CFR 273.2(h)(2).
FNS is issuing this memorandum to update current waiver procedures and revise previous guidance contained in the Sept. 14, 2004, memo, "Revised Waiver Processing Instructions." FNS is enhancing administrative waiver procedures to streamline current processes and eliminate inconsistencies in approval requirements for similar waivers.