Due to the impact on SNAP benefits resulting from drastically fluctuating energy prices, FNS is extending the one-time blanket SUA waiver for an additional 3 months to certain states that would otherwise be ineligible for the waiver in FY 2011.
This memorandum provides a second opportunity for state agencies to opt for a blanket waiver of the regulations at S 273.9 (d)(6)(iii)(B) which require state agencies to update SUAs annually.
It has come to our attention that a number of states have begun using the emergency fund to develop and implement a wide range of subsidized employment efforts. In addition to the Emergency Fund program, subsidized employment may be funded under the regular TANF block grant or state Maintenance of Effort funds.
A recently enacted law changes the treatment of the $25 supplemental weekly Unemployment Compensation payment authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2OO9 (ARRA) authorized.
It has come to FNS's attention that, due to unusual shifts in utility costs, SNAP benefits to needy families may decrease when states make annual SUA adjustments this year - even if the circumstances of those households remain constant.
For over thirty years, SNAP has deducted the cost of telephones in determining a household's eligibility and benefit amounts, either by deducting actual telephone bills or standard telephone allowances.
Recently, it has been brought to the national office's attention that there is some confusion concerning the treatment of income received from the Summer Youth Employment Opportunities element under the Workforce Investment Act.
This memo clarifies which retirement accounts the Act expressly excludes from resources.
This memo address under what circumstances a state agency may disallow a deduction based on failure to report or verify expenses.
FSP legislative and regulatory provisions do not, either directly or indirectly, address the treatment of gift cards for program purposes. While these rules can potentially be interpreted to count gift cards as a resource, we believe this would be inadvisable since attempts to verify the existence and value of the cards during the certification process would be extremely difficult, problematic and subject to error.