FNS Documents & Resources

We are clarifying student eligibility policy to help state agencies screen and certify eligible students and support work readiness for SNAP.

The final rule, SNAP: Program Purpose and Work Requirement Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, was published in the Federal Register on Dec. 17, 2024. The final rule amends theSNAP regulations to incorporate three provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. This rule also clarifies procedures for when state agencies must screen for exceptions to the time limit and verification requirements for exceptions.

This memorandum is to remind state agencies it is important for state SNAP QC staff to have access to WIMS. In addition, FNS encourages SNAP state agencies to regularly train all staff on the approved alternative procedures for all current SNAP waivers and demonstration projects.

This memorandum clarifies that telephonic and virtual fair hearings and administrative disqualification hearings are allowed, reminds state agencies of related requirements, and recommends various best practices when conducting telephonic or virtual hearings. This memo rescinds and supersedes previous telephonic hearing guidance provided in FNS policy memos 82-14 and 83-05.

This memo addresses whether state agencies should count certain Medicare Advantage (MA) supplemental benefits as income for SNAP purposes. 

The final rule, SNAP: Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances, was published in the Federal Register on Nov.18, 2024. This final rule amends SNAP regulations for calculating standard utility allowances (SUAs) and expands allowable shelter expenses to include basic internet costs. The rule also finalizes updates to the treatment of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program payments. This memo provides a summary of the final rule provisions.

The final rule, SNAP Employment and Training Program Monitoring, Oversight and Reporting measures, was published in the Federal Register on Nov.18, 2024. This final rule makes changes to the SNAP regulations implemented through the interim final rule. The provisions of this final rule are effective Jan. 17, 2025. However, to allow sufficient time for state agencies to make necessary modifications to their collection and reporting processes, state agencies must implement all provisions of this rule no later than Oct. 1, 2025. 

This memo transmits technical updates to the FNS Handbook 310 issued through QC Policy Memo 24-03.

This memorandum is intended to clarify the impact of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025  on upcoming SNAP benefit issuance and stolen benefits replacements.