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Resource | Policy SNAP – Revised Memo on Telephonic Fair Hearing and Administrative Disqualification Hearings Procedures

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.

12/12/2024
Resource | Policy WIC Policy Memorandum #2025-1: Clarification on Corporate Changes of Ownership

This policy memorandum provides guidance to WIC state agencies on how to address corporate changes of ownership, including existing vendor authorization flexibilities, and on how to mitigate any resulting impacts on vendor authorization and participant access.

12/06/2024
Resource | Policy SNAP - Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits Excluded from Income

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

12/05/2024
Resource | Policy SNAP - Implementation of Regulatory Changes to Standard Utility Allowances

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.

12/03/2024
Resource | Policy Final Rule Implementation Memo: SNAP E&T Program Monitoring, Oversight and Reporting Measures

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. 

11/19/2024
Resource | Policy Letter to Governors - SNAP EBT Chip Cards

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a letter today encouraging all governors to invest in SNAP EBT cards with chip technology for their states.

11/15/2024
Resource | Technical Assistance SNAP College Student Eligibility

SNAP helps college students focus more on their studies and less on where their next meal will come from.

11/05/2024
Resource | Technical Assistance Attention: California and Oklahoma Bordering State SNAP EBT Retailers

SNAP retailer reminder for SNAP authorized retailers in a state that borders California or Oklahoma. Since these states will be issuing SNAP EBT chip cards to clients soon, retailers must be prepared to accept this type of card.

11/01/2024
Resource | Policy Updates to the SNAP QC Review Handbook (FNS Handbook 310)

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

10/28/2024
Resource | Policy Letter to Commissioners - SNAP EBT Chip Cards

FNS is pleased to announce that the X9 Committee ratified and published revised EBT standards in August 2024. Finalizing these standards is a significant step towards modernizing SNAP EBT technology and combating benefit theft. These technical standards provide the opportunity for states to implement EBT cards with chip technology.

10/28/2024
Page updated: October 14, 2021