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Resource | Guidance Documents 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 Use of Employment and Training Funds for SNAP Recipients Who Are Attending High School

This memo provides policy clarification 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 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 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.

08/27/2020
Resource | Policy Memos 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.

07/29/2020
Resource | Policy Memos 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
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP-Ed Guidance Plan and Templates

The guidance document provides policy guidance for states regarding the operation of the SNAP Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program, referred to as SNAP-Ed.

07/16/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Retailer Eligibility - Social Security Number (SSN)

SNAP regulations provide that the FNS must collect certain taxpayer identification numbers of retailers who apply to participate in SNAP. Acceptable taxpayer identification numbers include both a Social Security Number and any Employer Identification Number assigned to the firm by the Internal Revenue Service.

07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Retailer Eligibility - Application of 6 Month Waiting Period

This memorandum clarifies the use of the 6 month waiting period for failing to meet SNAP eligibility requirements under Criterion A or B of program regulations. Section 9(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act and section 278.1(k) of program regulations require firms failing to meet eligibility requirements under Criterion A or B wait a minimum of 6 months before reapplying for SNAP authorization.

07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Retailer Eligibility - Firms Colocated with a Restaurant

This memorandum clarifies policy related to implementation of the final rule, "Enhancing Retailer Standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program," which amended the definition of "retail food store,"  to say that, when multiple firms operating at the same location meet certain elements, FNS will consider them a single firm when determining eligibility for SNAP authorization.

07/13/2020
Page updated: October 14, 2021