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.

This memo is to inform you of clarifications related to the use of telephonic signatures in SNAP. The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 requires that state agencies consider an application to be complete if it contains the client's name, address, and signature.

Attached are Quality Control related questions and answers pertaining to the Agricultural Act of 2014. The questions cover the application of the 120-day QC hold harmless period, the implementation of the QC tolerance level for small errors, QC standards and performance bonus payments.

The attached questions and answers are intended to address state agency concerns about the effects of the Agricultural Act of 2014 on outreach in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

FNS is issuing this affirmation of a final rule, without change, of an interim rule that amended SNAP regulations, to require state agencies to monitor electronic benefit transfer card replacement requests and send notices to those clients who have requested four cards within a 12-month period. 

In 2009, Congress authorized and funded pilot projects to test approaches to facilitate access to SNAP among two underserved populations: the elderly and the working poor. The Michigan and Pennsylvania pilots successfully increased access to SNAP among the elderly. No significant impacts on access were found in the other four states.

The attached questions and answers are intended to address state agency concerns regarding the Implementing Memorandum for Section 4006, "Standard Utility Allowances Based on the Receipt of Energy Assistance," of the Agricultural Act of 2014.