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Resource | Policy SNAP – Waiver of the Interview Phaseout to Support Unwinding from the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

This memo explains that FNS is offering certain states the opportunity to request a short-term interview waiver. FNS recognizes that unwinding from the PHE and staffing challenges have put a continuing strain on states and is providing additional time for states to return to normal processing regarding the interview.

03/26/2024
Resource | Policy SNAP Use of Nonmerit Personnel in SNAP Administration

This memo seeks to clarify existing policy and flexibilities regarding the use of nonmerit personnel in the administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

03/21/2024
Resource | Policy SNAP Online Application Policy Clarification

This memo reiterates and clarifies existing online application policy for state agencies. 

02/20/2024
Resource | Policy Use of Advanced Automation in SNAP

This memo provides State agencies with guidance on allowable use of advanced automation technologies. 

01/10/2024
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0109 State Guidance on Pandemic EBT

USDA is committed to providing nutrition assistance to hard-hit families across the country due to the coronavirus pandemic. In support of President Biden’s call to action on hunger, USDA announced that it is increasing the Pandemic EBT benefit by approximately 15 percent, providing more money for low-income families and millions of children missing meals due to school and child care closures.

11/03/2023
Resource | Policy Best Practices for Determining Proximity of Sites in the Summer Food Service Program

This memorandum provides information to assist state agencies in preventing approval of multiple sites offering meal services at the same time to the same population of children in the Summer Food Service Program. 

SFSP 15-2023
09/28/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP Temporary Administrative Waivers Available to State Agencies to Support Unwinding from COVID-19

FNS is issuing this guidance to assist SNAP state agencies planning for the expiration of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. FNS recognizes any change in program operations can be challenging to implement and appreciates the work state agencies do to continue to adapt in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. This guidance is for state agency planning purposes and does not signal or confirm when the federal PHE declaration will end.

07/27/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Ensuring Language Access and Effective Communication In Consideration of the Unwinding of the SNAP Emergency Allotments and COVID-19- Program Flexibilities

Ensuring Language Access for Limited English Proficient Individuals and Effective Communication for Individuals with Disabilities In Consideration of the Recent Unwinding of the SNAP Emergency Allotments and Upcoming Unwinding of COVID-19- Program Flexibilities.

05/30/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP – Resource Materials and Policy Memos to Support the End of the COVID-19 PHE

FNS is providing a comprehensive list of SNAP resource materials and policy memos to equip state agencies with key information to prepare for the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

02/10/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP – Expiration of Program Flexibilities for the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

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. 

02/10/2023
Page updated: October 14, 2021